Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, AUGUST, 24th., 1928. BOROUGH FINANCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 August 1928, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, AUGUST, 24th., 1928. BOROUGH FINANCE

jyjANY Greymonth ratepayers are of the opinion that the annual demands on them are already high, and they will not welcome the announcement that further increases in Borough rates are inevitable. Already, twopence extra in the £1 has been authorised, and critics, if any, are invited to meet the Mayor and Councillors at a gathering to be convened shortly, in order to learn why these additional demands are necessary. It is a good idea, whoever was responsible, to arrange such a meeting, and it is to bo hoped that there will be a representative attendance. The aim of the townsmen should not, of course, be to denounce their municipal representatives’ financial proposals, but to hear first hand the pros, and cons., and then to offer constructive suggestions. It can be taken for granted that owing to the unpopularity of such proposals, the Mayor and Councillors do not strike increased rates unless such action is unavoidable. One explanation of the necessity for increased rates is that the gas works’ revenue cannot now come to the rescue of the general fund. 1o the same extent as hitherto. Although still profitable, the municipal gas-works have to face strong competition from the Power Board's facilities. For many years, gas-works profits have been utilised to keep the rates down, a method of financing that was open to criticism. seeing that it meant, in effect, that the ratepayers were being subsidised by gas-consumers. Jt is true that most citizens came under both headings, but lhe principle was wrong, whatever the minimum of harm in actual practice. Borough finance is a. subject in which far more interest, must be taken by townsmen than has hitherto been noticeable. Further increases in rates seem unavoidable, 'fhe sewerage scheme and other proposals, necessary to give the town modern utilities and conveniences, will be costly, and impossible to finance interest and sinking fund on the loans out of present revenue.

Greymouth must not shirk the penalty of progress, and in municipal affairs, as in all other businesses, rarely is something obtainable for nothing. Co-operation is vital between Council and people, and every plan impartially discussed that promises io alleviate the financial burden, whether it is a comprehensive re-valuation of the I borough or any other scheme. Apart from purely borough affairs, Greymouth, residents are faced with a share of increased expenditure in other directions, notably the public hospital. The Grey Hospital is now one of the best of the smaller institutions in New Zealand, with a very capable Medical Superintendent. The institution is so well, patronised that increase in staff and equipment cannot be avoided. At present Dr. Moore is much over-worked, and it is wonderful how he copes with the many demands for his services. Townsmen should be proud of the progress of the local hospital, and with such pride must be the recognition that more money has to be spent to make the improved position possible. If voluntary contributions, either direct or by special “day” appeals to the public, fail to meet the increased costs, there is only one other way of obtaining the necessary money, namely by increased levies. The public must reflect on these new responsibilities where borough and other local body finances are concerned, and be prepared to assume new burdens as cheerfully as possible.