WAIAPU COUNTY STRIKES MAXIMUM RATE: COSTS UP

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22697, 23 July 1948, Page 6

WAIAPU COUNTY STRIKES MAXIMUM RATE: COSTS UP

(S.K.) TIC PUIA, July 22. The maximum rale which Hie Waiapu County Council may raise will lie the rate struck tor the forthcoming year. This was decided at yesterday’s monthly meeting of the council held in Tc Puia. The motion which the chairman, Mr. D. W. W. Williams, had set down for inclusion in the agenda paper read as follows:

"That this council make and levy an amalgamated rate of 3|d in the £ upon the capital rateable value of all rateable property within the County of Waiapu for the year ending March 31, 1949, in lieu of the following: (A) General Rate 3d in £. ‘‘(B) Hospital Rate Jd in £. “(C) P.B. Catchment Board Administrative Rate &d in £."

Speaking to his motion, the chairman said that it was impossible to cover increased costs with rate struck in previous. years, and emphasised the point that if the rates were up to the maximum it would substantially support any claims the council might make for assistance.

“If the present torrential rain continues for very long.” concluded Mr. Williams, —at this point his remarks were almost inaudible because of heavy showers—“the council will be faced with a steep bill for flood damage before the winter is over.” Mr. J. Oates, who seconded the motion, said that as things were extremely buoyant at present he did not consider that the increased rate would inflict any hardship, whereas in more difficult times a lower rate demand would be desirable. “Going Too Far” "We are roing too far in raising the rate a full Jd in a year,” said Mr. O. T. Williams. “Every ratepayer knows that there is a good deal of waste going on,” continued the speaker, who considered that the council should strive to get greater value for the amount at present collected before any rise in the rate was authorised. He moved as an amendment that the rate be 3Hd in the £. This was seconded by Mr. H. Te Rapu. Supporting the _ amendment, Mr. V. G. H. Rickard said that he was firmly convinced that if the waste mentioned by the previous, speaker could be eliminated the amended rate would cover the county’s needs. He thought that the full rise proposed by the chairman was too great, especially when previously the rate was 3d, out of which the hospital rate of id was paid. It was false economy to allow the county’s assets such as bridges, culverts and roads to deteriorate, remarked Mr. H. Dudfield, who claimed that unless the maximum rate was struck insufficient funds would be available to adequately cover essential maintenance work.

He pointed out that last year the engineer had to maintain county roads on a budget of £7O per mile, whereas on the Gisborne-Te Ai-aroa State highway maintenance costs for the current year were estimated at £3lB per mile. On being put to the meeting the amendment was declared lost, Messrs. O. T. Williams, Rickard and Te Rapu voting in its favour. A show of hands was then taken on the original motion, which was carried on the votes of the chairman, Messrs. Oates, Ngata and Dudfield. Question of Rebate

Because a number of ratepayers had protested against the abolition of the rebate in view of the anticipated increase in rates, Mr. P. Ngata moved that a rebate be made for prompt payment of rates. This motion was disallowed by the chairman, who indicated that as it meant rescinding a previous motion it would have to be given as a notice of motion.

The county clerk, Mr. J. H. Sutherland, said that it was desirable that the question of rebate be settled as early as possible in order that the rate demands could be made out. To gain an expression of feeling on the question of rebate' the chairman suspended standing orders, but members were unable to reach a clear-cut agreement. On the resumption of ordinary business the chairman gave notice that a special meeting be called to determine the question of a rebate. Members present were the chairman, Mr. D. W. W. Williams, Messrs. J. Oates V. G. H. Rickard, H. Te Rapu, H. Dudfield. P. Ngata and O. T. Williams. Leave of absence was granted to Messrs. W. H. Jackson, F. R. JefTerd and S. McCosh.