RIVER PROTECTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 151, 27 May 1935, Page 6

RIVER PROTECTION

RATE REDUCTION PREDICTED. PALAIERSTON NORTH BOARD. A statement of the estimates for the current financial year was presented at to-day’s meeting of the Palmerston North River Board, which showed that the year had opened with a debit balance of £l6B 8s od. After making due provision for the proposed schemes to bo undertaken during tho term now entered upon, and setting aside £3OO for contingencies, it was hoped to emerge with a reduced dobit balance of £BB 8s od, thereby showing an improvement in the finances of the board of £BO. Air J. Hodgens. in remarking that it was hoped that the completion of the protective works drawn up for the current year would find the board s activities practically finalised, added that to all appearances the board could assure the ratepayers of a reduction of possibly 75 per cent, in the rates next vear as only a matter of £SOO would ‘be required annually for maintenance costs. Air AY. R. Hopcroft pointed out that tho consulting engineer (Air E. Fisher) had set down the annual maintenance costs at £ISOO. which would mean a reduction of 20 per cent, only, and tlie speaker added that to retain the present staff would involve an expenditure of £OOO alone. A discussion ensued on the question of the necessity for the retention of the present permanent staff on the completion of the year’s programme, the chairman (Air A. E. Alansford) stating that probably the future would find it unnecessary for the lxmrd to retain its four workmen, adding that in any case the members could assure the ratepayers that it wouid he possible to afford them a substantial reduction in the amount of their rate next year unless something unforeseen occurred.