KARCRI BOROUGH.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 99, 28 April 1909, Page 10

KARCRI BOROUGH.

MAYOR ADDRESSES RATEPAYERS In the Karori Borough Council Chamber last night the Mayor (Mr. C. I. Dasent) addressed ratepayers. . There were about 100 present. In detailing the borough's financial position his Worship mentioned that the tramway revenue was steadily growing, there having been a large increase in tho number of passengers earned last year. On the other hand, the cost of working the service was decreasing. During the year the 'buses had carried over 40,000 passengers, •or over 800 weekly. It had been stated that the cost of administrating the borough had been 4s in the pound. With the aid of figures the speaker showed that the actual cost was only 5 per cent. Although the year had been considered to be one of stagnation, several important works had been accomplished. An arrangement had been arrived at with the Wellington City Council whereby a saving of £45 per annum was being effected. , Alterations, costing £105, in the Council Chambers had been made out of revenue. A small block-making plant had been purchased, and now the borough was enabled to proceed with the work of channelling the roads at a minimum cost. The only account that did not reflect a credit balance was the 'bus account. If this were met out of the tramway account, he held that there would be a credit balance of £300. At the present rate of interest on money it was found that tramway extension was for a time beyond the reach of the borough's finances. He ridiculed the idea of water and drainage systems for Karori. There were .00 people in the borough, the Mayor pointed out, and these were scattered over a very large area. With regard to the ensuing year, there wero several questions the council would require to attend to, including the contribution towards the new infectious diseases hospitalCouncillor Hammond also spoke at some length to the meeting. In reply 1 to criticism which had been levelled at the council as the last balance-sheet appeared several months late, he explained that the Government auditor had been unable to inspect the borough accounts earlier. Other councillors also addressed the meeting.