The Civic Year

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 9, 22 December 1925, Page 5

The Civic Year

ADDRESS BY THE MAYOR. SEASONABLE FELICITATIONS. At the final meeting of the Hastings Borough Council last night the Mayor, in wishing the members of the Council, the municipal staffs and the members of the Press the compliments of the season, said that although the present Council had not had such a strenuous time as the previous Council, who had to deal with loans, abattoirs and other important business, what work had been done had been done quite well. Taking Hastings with other towns on a population basis and on the mileage of streets, he considered that the borough compared favourably with the best of them. A PROBLEM OF THE FUTURE. The rates were particularlv low. but that was a problem which would have to be faced as Hastings extended and became closelv settled and had industries established, all of which would insistently call for further expenditure of public money. That was the problem that would have to be faced in the future. He did not say the immediate future, but thev must be prepared to meet it. He pointed out that notwithstanding the extension of Hastings, its increase in population and the erection of buildings, the amount of revenue from the rating on the unimproved value would not increase as it would if thev were rating on the capital value or the annual rental value. The rates had decreased for the last few years owing to the erection of such buildings as the Public Trust. The Public Trust, and such Government departments, entered into competition with private interests who paid rates, and yet these Government institutions paid no rates. He did not say the borough rates were going to be increased, but if there was a revaluation of the borough (the last valuation was in 1916). although it might result in a decrease in the rating. it would increase the amount received owing to the increased valuation. THANKS. He thanked all the councillors for their loyal support during the seven o r eight months they were in office. Thev had had their differences, but there was no acrimonv and they all worked to the best of their endeavours for th e good of Hastings. It was impossible to please everyone but they all did their best to advance the interests of the splendid town they represented. He knew his limitations—no one knew them better—and ho thanked the councillors, individually and collectively, for the help thev had given him. He wished them all a happv Christmas and many happy New Years. They had a good clerical staff and be thr.nked the town clerk (Mr. Purser) and the* assistant town clerk (Mr. Darvell), as well as the general staff for their capable services. Ho also thanked the borough engineer (Mr. C. E. Evans) and his staff, saying that thev were one of the finest borough staffs in New Zealand, whilst, in thanking Mr. J. H. Scott (electrical engineer) and his staff, he said that they were particularly fortunate in having such a capable engineer and in having such a good staff in the powerhouse. He thanked the borough inspector who gave loyal service, and he thanked the assistant inspector and the staff, concluding hv acknowledging the service of the Press.

He desired to wish all the people of Hastings a happy Christmas and many prosperous New Years. He thanked them also for the manner in which they, as burgesses, and the different societies supported him during bis tenure of office on all occasions. He felt particularly pleased to hold the position of Mayor during the GovernorGeneral’s visit and he felt proud of the wholehearted manner in which all classes sustained him during that visit.

The deputy-Mayor (Mr M. Johnson) the chiefs of the various departments, and the Press having replied, the pro ceedings terminated.