PORT CHALMERS AFFAIRS.

Evening Star, Issue 22086, 20 July 1935, Page 20

PORT CHALMERS AFFAIRS.

TO TUB EDITOE. Sir,—The local borough elections have come and gone, and the rates have been raised—undoubtedly a very necessary aid towards progress and financial stability. In many quarters, however, that decision has been very unpopular, the present mayor having been elected on his policy of no increase. The Finance Committee is to be congratulated on the very bold attitude taken up in relieving the stalemate created by the previous council—not administration, because had administration been permitted the present position would not have been as it is. I cannot understand why the mayor was so shortsighted in pushing his endeavours to frustrate the introduction of-, such a progressive policy. Can he tell us how the borough could, by adopting his suggestions, do otherwise than go further back in view of the statement presented, and probably in the end have to double the rate increase recently carried? In my policy speech to the public 1 put the question as the Finance Committee has done, and proved that the borough could not carry on without an increase in rates. My suggestion was a moderate, reasonable, and truthful one, as has been shown, but the public said: “We do, not want that man Anderson, as he is going to increase the rates and cut down trees; neither do we want the old councillors, because they have done nothing,” Well, Anderson is not there, the rates have gone up, trees have been cut down, and some

of tho old councillors have been reelected, and probably will now, by increased revenue, be able to accomplish something without underhand interference and the disrespect of majority rule. The mayor stated it was better to have a pothole than affect a home, but he needs to remember that by neglect or another postponing of the inevitable day potholes may increase and be tho means of making a greater liability for that home or homes in many ways, perhaps through accident, the dispensing with the staff, and a double increase in rates. No one finds fault with the mayor for striving to maintain his policy circular .statement if he honestly was of opinion that such could be effected without future detriment to the borough welfare. He admitted that he recognised the drift, yet in face of such a statement ho proposed to encourage greater drift by reducing expenditure, such reduction only being brought about by dispensing with staff. The mayor was prepared to put more men on the unemployed, as he had to make a saving of approximately £SOO, and if the water to shipping was further reduced what would be tho position? Agreed, the tractor was for five years and has run seven—not bad service—and h.a paid for itself over and over again. If a contract was let for the borough carting—not screenings or metal for roads, as that is already carted by contract—perhaps the mayor might ascertain, as we did, that less cartage was done for a larger expenditure. I put aside so much money for the purchase of further plant, but like all other revenue it has evaporated. _ Probably if a full open council discussion had been given in the Press, and not so much done in committee, we the ratepayers, who have a right to know how our money is to be expendid, might have gained more enlightenment. In estimates nothing is provided for any unforeseen conditions that may arise through acts of Providnce. Then there is the expenditure on works already completed or in hand last year, which this year’s revenue _ has to meet irrespective of outstandings. It is a bad policy to be too near-sighted and budget generally and financially to the last thing without having vision for the future. Tar seal your roads, make channels, and permanent work, so each year, and in a short time maintenance expenses will be reduced to half, and then rates will benefit; but if the past administration policy is allowed to continue rate adjustment will be indefinite. Above all I am pleased that the mayor in his wisdom abided by majority rule, as it tends towards progress, goodfellowship, and successful municipal government.— I am. etc., T. Andehson. July 20.