THE BOROUGH’S TRADING CONCERNS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3591, 2 August 1912, Page 7

THE BOROUGH’S TRADING CONCERNS.

(.TO THE EDITOR.)

gji'j—As one who takes great- interest in the financial position of the borough allow me to congratulate you on tlio clear way in which you dealtwith the monetary position of the Gentle Anni-c tramway and the electric light scheme. It was the subject of. ,a great deal of talk among the ratepayers to most of whom I venture to say the real position came as an eyeopener. What was the most interesting feature of the exposure was that the Mayor did not—l suppose could not —attempt to controvert them. But judging from his remarks Mr Rettie and tlie Council will now take a great deal more care in regard to how the ratepayers’ moneys arc expended. Can it be that they too were in the dark over the matter ? I got a copy of the balance slicet which did not disclose the full position, i.o. from a business point of view, of the borough’s trading concerns. Why can’t departmental accounts and profit and loss, statements be published in regard to each of them. The whole of the trouble is that the Council don’t want the ratepayers to know too much as I have it from a councillor that the detailed estimates of the receipts and expemuture for the current year were deliberately kept a secret as well as certain reports. I would like, Sir, to call your attention to the alarming growth 'in the cost of administration of the borough’s affairs. It would bo much appreciated by the ratepayers if you could find the space to deal with this matter, also the wretched day labor svstciTi etc. —I <wn« etc., s - ystom \< TUßN ox THE LIGHT.”