COUNTRY NEWS. WHAREORA HIGHWAY DISTRICT

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXXI, Issue 5602, 31 August 1875, Page 1 (Supplement)

COUNTRY NEWS. WHAREORA HIGHWAY DISTRICT

An adjourned meeting of the lwtopaj era of this district took place on the 12th instant. A considerable number of ratepayers were present. Sir Robert Douglas, Bart., was chosen chairman of the meeting. The accounts were duly audited and passed. Kate account : Rates collected for the year ending 30th June, £38 17s. 10UI. ; expenditure, against rates, £36 19s. 4d.; balance in hand, £1 18s. old. Government account : Government contribution for the year, £48 15s. ; expenditure for the year, £28 oa. 3d. ; balance at credit of board in Bank of New Zealand, £20 9s. 9d. The meeting discussed very freely the system of rating, Mr. Whitelaw contending that an acreage rate, with classification of the land, was most suitable for country districts. The Chairman showed that there was nothiug to prevent an acreage rate, but that it must not exceed the limit of the valuation rate. It was also contended that the present system of valuation was unfair. Clay lands at a considerable distance from Wangarci, and with few or no improvements, were paying, and had paid tor years, at the «ame ratio as first-class land near Wangarei, and good made roads. A valuation rate of Id. in tho £1 on the value to sell was ultimately agreed to. The trustees elected were Messrs. J. Whitelaw, C. H. Reid, J. Donaldson, T. Whitelaw, and P. Smith. Auditors : If. Falls, H. Hutclunson. Fence-viewers : H. Falls, W. Hutchinson. Mr. Spence was appointed constable under the board, with instructions to enforce the provisions of the Dog Act. The board was also requested to rogister the different brands and marks of sheep in the district, and proceed against owners in case of noncompliance. The board met and appointed Messrs. James Whitelaw and (J. Herbert Reid to value all land iu the district.

"WANGAPOUA. We have this week had a visit from a Government official, armed with summonses against certain persons who are presumed not to ha\ e paid the Education Rate last year. The said olticer succeeded in serving the upon six or eight persons who have actually paid the rate, and hold the treasurer's receipts. Ho wan not able, except in one instance, to serve on any of those who have not paid. But what a specimen is tbis of official care and correct accounts ! This money was paid to the treasurer months and months ago, and the leceipts are in hand, signed " K. 13, Lu.sk." There will be a nice little bill to bo paid in September, when those summoned appear at the Auckland Police Court, as they are commanded to do, and produce these receipts. One thing is" certain — it will be of no use to attempt to collect tb.ii year's rate, for after sucK an instance of management, to say the least; of it, no one here will pay again.