REDUCTION IN RATES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 255, 25 July 1935, Page 13

REDUCTION IN RATES

Hutt River Board Decision

The Hutt River Board has decided to make an average reduction in its rates of 20 per cent., the following report of the finance committee having been adopted at a special meeting of the board yester"Your committee has made a full investigation of (ho board's financial position, together with a careful estimate of the probable income and expenditure for the current year. As a result we recommend:—(l) That a general rate of 2.1-200 of a penny iu the pound be struck on all classes; (2) that the special rates to be imposed on all classes be assessed to yield amounts, as nearly as practicable, equal to the interest charges on the two accounts. “It will be noticed that the rates recommended represent an average reduction of 20 per cent. The committee assures the board that this can be done without in any way jeopardising the present satisfactory financial position. f , reduction is possible by reason ol the fact that as a result of the boards loan conversion scheme, and with the maturing of a further amount of the inscribed loan, a saving in interest payments is effected. “The saving in the general rate is possible owing principally to the increased revenue from shingle sales, and to the fact that a larger proportion of arrears of rates is being collected. Present indications show that the increase from these sources is being maintained, and, in the ease of royalties, it is anticipated last year's figures will be exceeded. Provision has been made in the estimates for the restoration of the balance of the 10 per cent, cut in salaries and wages which was passed in June last. “In connection with the board’s credit balance of £2700 at the end of the last financial year, your committee recommends that the sum of £l5OO be placed on deposit at the Post Office to meet possible future requirements, and that the principal outstanding on the “Adams” land purchase, amounting to £lO5/6/9, be paid off.

“In reviewing the position of the past year the board has every reason to be gratified at its healthy financial position. It is to-day reaping the benefit of the foresight of the earlier members, both in the raising of loans and in prudent expenditure. “It is perhaps fitting to point out, for the benefit of ratepayers, some of whom at times question the necessity for the board to levy rates, that the safety of the district depends upon the operations of the board. It is now many years since the residents have had. cause to fear a big rise in the river with the resultant flooding in many parts of the residential area The residents of long standing in the valley know, but to those who have settled here comparatively recently, it is iwinted out that, apart from the special rates which are definitely necessary to pay interest and sinking funds on loans raised in the past to carry out important river protection schemes, the general rate imposed is insufficient to cover maintenance and works which is the routine work of tile board. The administration, engineering, and professional costs together with provision for plant renewal, rates and insurance, etc., have not been a charge on the ratepayers, being met out of royalties and rents.” Y.M.C.A. CARNIVAL Concert at Lower Hutt A drawing-room concert took place 011 Tuesday evening at “Casa Loma,” the home of Mr. anti Mrs. J. Alitclieil, Lower Hutt, in aid of the gold queen. Miss Kathleen Kempthorue, in connection with the Hutt Valley Y.M.C.A. carnival. The rooms were decorated with golden narcissi and wattle, Mrs. Mitchell received the guests wearing a frock of black marocain, and Mrs. Kersley, president of the Women's Auxiliary of the Hutt Valley Y.M.C.A., wore black and. scarlet floral crepe de chine. Miss Kathleen Kempthorue was in green crepe deadline. During the evening, Mrs. Kersley warmly thanked Mr. and Mrs. Alitclieil for lending their home for the occasion, the guests for attending, and for their interest in the work of the Y.M.C.A. She said that a street day was to be held at Lower Hutt in aid of the gold queen, on Friday, August 1. Mr. J. W. Andrews, Mayor of Lower Hutt, eulogised the manner in which Petone and Lower Hutt combined in their interest in the work of the Y.M.C.A. iu the Valley, and in their financial support of the association. A rich fruit cake made by Mrs. 8. Cross, and auctioned during the evening realised the satisfactory sum of a guinea. Many apologies were received from friends who were unable to be present, but who sent contributions. . . The programme, which was pleasingly varied with instrumental and elocutionary items, was as follows: —Part so }’a “Children of Spring” (C. Loewe) ; ”lhe Fairy Wedding’ (M. C. Gilliugton) ; the Lavrock Choir; vocal solo,. "Songs my Mother Sang,” Mrs. W. Gibb; encore, “Castles in the Air”; part-song, Layock Choir, "The Snow” (Elgar); elocutionary item, Mrs. H. Lowe, "lhe Shoe Shop”; encore, “You Can’t Imagine It”; ’cello solo, Mrs. D. McKenzie, ‘ Largetto” (Mozart); part songs, the choir, "Fly, Singing Bird” (Elgar), “Beauteous Morn” (German) ; solo, Mrs. IV. H. I nillips; “Ring. Bells. Ring,” encore, "God Go Along With You”; part song, 'Follow Me Down to Carlo” (Fletcher) ; vocal solo, “Pipes of Pan,” Mrs. J. B. McCallum ; trios, Mesdames Phillips, Todd, and McCallum, “Spring Flowers,” and Bowl of Roses”; elocutionary item, Mrs. Lowe, ‘‘My Day Out”; encore, "A Voyage at Sea”; part song, the choir, “Song ot the Pedlar” (L. Lee Williams) ; ’cello solo. Mrs McKenzie, “Hindoo Song’ > P !lrt songs, the choir, *‘O Can'Ye Sew Cush; ions” (Bantock), and “I Got a Robe (Burleigh). , , . Mrs. W. H. Phillips was the leader of the choir, and Miss D. Hay was the accompanist.

Mr. and Mrs. B. S. Knox, of Lower Hutt, entertained a number of friends a’ their home on Tuesday evening. Jbe rooms were brightly decorated wiin flowers in golden shades. Dancing was enjoyed, and a number of competitions proved very entertaining. A savoury supper was served.