Ratepayers Respond Well

Northern Advocate, 28 February 1939, Page 5

Ratepayers Respond Well

To-morrow, March 1, is the last day on which Whangarei borough ratepayers can pay their current rates without incurring the 10 per cent, penalty. Until to-day, 70.3 per cent, of the total rates levied for the 19138-39 financial year had been paid, and this is considered more than satisfactory by the Town Clerk, Mr L. O. Hall. The position is, no doubt, due to the extra service extended ratepayers by the borough offices being kept open for extended hours for rate payments. On March 28 last year, 92.5 per cent, of the total rates struck had been paid, the total amount collected for the year being 94 per cent.

Payment of arrears of rates is also proceeding satisfactorily, 37 per cent, having been received under this heading to date. For the same period last year, 34 per cent, was collected under this heading. One per cent, of current rates is equal to £337, and one per cent, of arrears of rates £76/10/-.

Higher Rates This Year. Whangarei Is paying a larger rate than last year, the levy having been increased by jd in the £, owing to general rising costs, increased hospital levy and other factors. The estimated consolidated rate, consisting of general, library, hospital and special rates, was £27.955, and the amount actually struck was £28.151, being within £196 of the estimate. Of this amount, the general rate represents 38 per cent., the hospital rate 13 per cent., the library rate two per cent., and the special rate 47 per cent. Of other levies, the estimated water rate was £4584, and the amount struck was £4448; sanitation fees were estimated to produce £ 1038, and the actual levy under this heading has been £1067. The total rate approximates £33,672. Extended Office Hours.

Last year the borough offices were kept open for payment of rates on each Friday evening preceding the penalty date, but this year, in addition to this service, the office hours were further extended. The office was kept open last evening, and will also be open tonight. That the service is appreciated by the ratepayers was shown by an excellent response last night.

Miners Resume Work

t Special to “Northern Advocate”] HUNTLY. This Day. Men at the Pukemiro and Renown mines, which were idle yesterday as the result of stop-work meetings, called to discuss matters in dispute at the Pukemiro mine, being continued after the time for commencing work, resumed work this morning.