A GOOD POSITION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3253, 16 April 1943, Page 5

A GOOD POSITION

plains county council high rate collection 1 SURPLUS AT END OF YEAR That the finances of the Hauraki Plains County Council are in an excellent position was disclosed to Wednesday’s meeting of the council in a comprehensive report by the clerk, Mr E. A. Mahoney, who advised that the percentage of rates collected for the year just ended was 95.2% 96/7% European and 37.5% Native. The clerk’s report read as follows Surplus At End of Year

“The general account shows a credit balance of £14591 4s Id, almost entirely composed of amounts estimated for in previous years but for which works have not yet been carried out. Estimates for 1943-44 prepared for this meeting will show these in detail. The time will come when the council will be enabled to ; carry out these works and if this balance is sustained, it will be in a position to do so without increase m general rate. “Pipiroa Ferry just a little more than held its own for the year. “Mangatarata Quarry showed a substantial surplus on a receipts and payments basis, but next year it is unlikely tb be repeated, on account of a good deal of repair work that will be required. a ' Excellent Rate Collections

“The Yates levied for the year and collections and percentage collected were as follows: —

“Apart from rates written off during the year the position is nearly £lOOO better , this year. Nevertheless, the European collections for the current year should have been in the vicinity of 100% and I propose suing for the few who did not pay unless they can show good reason why they did not. ''Rates payable under the Adjustment Commission Orders are all paid with four exceptions, two of which are on Kerepeehi Block. Separate Accounts

“Heavy traffic fees collected 194243 were £1685 6s 9d, a decrease of £lB4 from the previous year. Waitakaruru drainage account has gone back a further £l2 from last year.

“West Water Supply Account .shows a credit of £llBO 15s 3d.

“East Water Supply Account has gained £96 during the year and shows a debit of £l4 4s 7d. “Wharves account is now in credit to the extent of £172 17s Od, having gained nearly £409 during the year. “Main Highways Account: All subsidies have been paid to February- 28, 1943.

“Rural Housing Account has a credit of £BO IBs 9d. All repayments are up-to-date and this balance represents mainly the difference 'between the rates paid by the council and the rate charged tenants. z

“Hospital Account: This dwindling special subsidy amounted to £64 16s Id for the year and the levy paid to the Hospi al Board was £4610 9s 6d.

“Interest accounts which are not paid from the General Account are in a iieaithy state, al though as far as

rating is concerned special rates are on bedrock with one exception. This is the Horahia Opou Drainage Loan rate, which is over a small area and as shown in the estimates, I recommend reducing, this rate by id for some years to come as the credit is sufficient to warrant this course.”

Levied European --- — Native — —- --- £29970 589 0 11 4 1 £30559 5 0 Collected European —- —- £28977 13 3 Native —- — —- 220 17. { 9 £29198 .11 0 Written off —- — 7 18 9 Outstanding European — — £984 8 11 Native —- —- —- 368 6 4 £1352 15 3 Percent-ages Collected European — — - ... 96.7% Native — — - — 37.5% Percentage of total collected of total levied — 95.2% Arrears Outstanding April 1, 1943 — -- 3883 2 10= Previously written off but revived 9 1 £3892 4 1 Collec. during year 2279 19 6 Written off during year —- —- 458 7 8 £2765 7 2 Outstanding March 31, 1943: ’ European '799 Oi 01 Native — 327 16 11 £1126 16 11 Total of all outstanding rates: European 1783 8 11 Native —- — 691 3 3 £2479 12 2