AFFORESTATION PLAN

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 168, 12 April 1932, Page 6

AFFORESTATION PLAN

Camp for Single Men WORK FOR 24 WEEKS Projmsals for the relief of unemployment from the Wellington City and Suburban water Supply Board were discussed by the Petone Borough Council last night. The board suggested the establishment of a camp at K-aitoke for single men, who could be employed on afforestation work on the board's areas. .By the planting of approximately 1000 acres it is estimated that employment could be given to between 50 and 60 men over a period of 24 weeks, based on a full working week. It was pointed out that the scheme would tend to prevent the possibility of floods recurring in the Hutt River during heavy rains. Application has been made to the Unemployment Board for a subsidy, but even allowing for that the board would not be able to meet the additional expenditure, and therefore solicited the help of the council.

“It would be a decided advantage to rhe Valley,” remarked Councillor V. E. Jacobson, “and I think it should receive most careful consideration.” The matter was deferred until the estimates were framed. PETONE FINANCES Statement by Mayor j “The financial statement shows a debit balance of £3365/10/3 in the general account, and a debit, balance of £689/8/4 in the water account, both of which balances are due to the fact that there is £5OOO of rates for the year outstanding,” said the Mayor of Petone, Mr. D. McKenzie, in a statement of the borough’s finances given at last night’s meeting of the council. “This means that 53.45 per cent, of the rates levied, have been collected, which compares quite favourably with other local bodies. However, with a handicap such, as this to start with, plus a decrease in sources of revenue, including reduction in heavy traffic fees, in accordance -with the recent decision of the magistrate, it will mean that the estimates will have' to receive cutting down, to avoid if possible increases in taxation. “During the past year the expenditure was , kept within the estimates.” HUTT VALLEY COURTS Decrease in Business Returns from the Magistrates’ Courts in the Hutt Valley show a decrease in business for the quarter ended March 31J as compared with the figures for the corresponding period last year. The figures-are as follow, the 1931 quarter being in parentheses:— Petone: Plaints entered, 66 (89); criminal cases; 70 (122) ; fines, £67. (£64); total amount sued for, £lO3B (£1215). Lower Hutt: Plaints entered, 97 (197); criminal cases, 65 (66); fines, £6O (£48); total amount sued for, £l5Bl (£3807). Upper Hutt: Plaints entered, 19 (30); criminal cases, 31 (30) ; fines, £33/15/(£l4).