Readers Write

Northern Advocate, 18 May 1943, Page 2

Readers Write

Owing to the dry summer much stock is in a low state of condition, and naturally owners are concerned in regard to what

MR. BLAGROVE EXPECTS MILD WINTER

the winter has in store for them I had no intention of reporting

on this winter’s conditions. However, as I have been approached by many, it may alleviate the anxiety of others to hear that they have nothing to fear, and may expect the mildest winter for many years, with not heavy rainfall, good growth, and even an early spring.—J. J. BLAGROVE (Waikaraka).

May I, through the medium of yourpaper, voice a complaint on behalf ol a section of the travelling public who patronise the railway

RAILWAY PASSENGERS’ TREATMENT

between Auckland and Whangarei. Tht system of providing refreshment for pas-

stngers travelling on the second train, leaving Auckland at 9.15 a.m., leaves something to be desired, to say the ieast. This train does not arrive al Whangarei until 3.15 p.m., whilst the only opportunity for obtaining refreshments occurs at Helensville at about 11 o’clock.

Consequently, unsuspecting passengers who do not obtain a cyp of tea at this stop, are thereby deprived of any refreshment during the whole ol ihe six hours’ journey, and even mothers with young babies are seen vainly appealing for hot water, milk, etc. The reason for this state of affairs is that at Maungaturoto (which is the only other stop for refreshments), the down train arrives first, and its passengers are catered for, whilst the Auckland train stops on a ride-line and its passengers are not allowed in the refreshment rooms. This state of affairs is especially scandalous in view of the fact that this same Auckland train, after stopping for 10 minutes, proceeds to a point a few miles north, and waits 25 minutes for another down train. There appears to be no justification ler this lack of consideration. It is known that on previous occasions as many ns 750 servicemen have been catered for at this Motion. However, this letter will no doubt serve as :: warning to passengers to bring their own lunches. — “RETURNED SOLDIER.”'

During the past fortnight reports of local body meetings have made very interesting reading, more especi

BURDENS ON RATEPAYERS

ally matters dealing with increased expenditure by tho

hospital board, borough council, and fire board. The estirpated expenditure of the Whangarei Fire Board for the year 1943-44 is considerably higher than last year. A considerable part of this •increase will have to be found by the ratepayers of Whangarei in the shape of an increase in the rates. At the present time the Government contributes £75 yearly towards the upkeep of the brigade. The balance required is found by the 40-odd insurance companies operating in the Whangaeri borough and the borough council on a 50-50 basis. The harbour board and hospital board do not contribute anything towards the upkeep of the brigade. Neither do either of these boards contribute rates to the Whangarei Borough Council. This also applies to Government property situated in the borough. Yet the above-mentioned boards, as well as ihe Government, receive service from the /ire brigade in the event of their prooerty being endangered by fire. The amount contributed by the insurance companies is distributed among the 40 companies, and therefore it is not such r. big financial strain to the individual companies as it is to‘ the Whangarei borough, which, unfortunately, is unable to pass

the increased expenditure on to other local bodies. This, in my opinion, is most unfair, now that each and every householder is compellpd to pay war risk insurance. The small amount contributed yearly by the Government towards the upkeep of the brigade is out of all proportion tc the service the brigade will give in-the event of Government buildings being endangered by fire. In conclusion, the time has arrived for a thorough overhaul of the Fire Brigades Act, and legislation shoull be brought down making the contributions from the insurance companies and the Government higher than at present. In my opinion, the insurance companies should contribute at least six-tenths, boroughs three-tenths. Government one-tenth. Unfortunately, with increased expenditure of the hospital board, and if, by any chance, the revenue of the harbour board does not come up to expectations for the working year, the burden will fall upon the ratepayers. I hope at a future date to comment upon harbour board expenditure.—R. V. THOMPSON.