OPOTIKI NEWS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11953, 25 May 1933, Page 7

OPOTIKI NEWS

BOROUGH COUNCIL FINANCES

DRASTIC MOVE TOR RETRENCHMENT.

(Special to the Times). OPOTIKI, May 24

Drastic steps to 'reduce expenditure with a view to lowering rates wore suggested at last night’s meeting ot the borough council. At' the last election, three members of the old council were defeated by candidates whose avowed policy was to reduce rates if elected. Many rumours of what was going to happen hap-e been circulating, resulting in a great interest' being shown. At last night’s meeting the seating aocommodation was fully taxed. After the ordinary business, Cr. S. Slialfoon rose to move, according io notice of motion, that the price of cow collars be reduced from £3 to £2. This was seconded by Or. E. Wobh. Tn order to effect. tho change a motion and passed fixing the prices on March 28. was rescinded, Cr. Shalfoon stating that the motion would not have been carried if Mr. J. J. Moody had been present. This statement wa? ehallatiged by Cr. F. ,T. >horf, who also expressed the opinion that the council had no legal right to issue collars. The Town Clerk said the revenue last year from collars was £133 against )£.156 the previous sear. Or. ,T. Main pointed out that the revenue would suffer and must be made tip in some other way After further discussion tho motion was carried. Cr. A. Anderson then moved, in accordance with notice gi.vcrq that taking into consideration the Ktfd position °f the borough finances, the wholo question of borough employees be reviewed. In speaking to the motion, Cr. Anderson commenced bystating that his idea was that the Town Clerk should be asked to resign, the resignation to take effect in one month, and that all other employees he given a week’s notice, with the exception of the typist. . Cr. F. J. Short immediately rose and called the chairman’s attention to 'the fact that the speaker was. was of order, and had no right to say what should ho done yot, as the motion only stated that the position be reviewed. Cr. Short said that if Cr. Anderson would stick to the wording of the motion, he would second it. Cr. Andorson submitted that he was (Tight, hut as ihe Mayor Tilled him out of order, he excused himself by saying that bo did not understand the position, beincr new to council work, and wont on to say that his idea of reducing costs and "striking lower rates would be doing what the ratepayers wished and he hoped those affected' would fsot think it n personal matter, but only- in the interests of the borough. When the question arose a.s to avhen the matter could lie settled," tho opinion was expressed that all members should ho present and, ns Cr. Anderson will ho away all .Tune, it was decided t n continue the discussion on ,Tilly 4, when the halanc 0 sheet will ho presented. Cr. Anderson's motion to review tho position was on pried, "thus ending for time a. rather warm discussion. ,

rn'OTlKl COUNTY COUNCIL. The annual meeting of the Opoiiki County Council. was held to-day Mr. J. H. Reid was re-elected chairman for the twelfth time, with one year interval. The Finance Committee will be- Messrs Oanlr. -Powell and the chairman.

HEAVY DOWNPOUR: Pain, which commenced on , Monday night, continued, all day yesterday and well into the night, in all, 2-Jin. falling from 9 a.m. ; yesterday to 9 a.m. to-day. Thunder and lightning were fairly prevalent last night. Tho rain did not affect the main highways, seif vice cars arriving on time this morning.