Object1 To Using Rates For Appeals

Northern Advocate, 13 March 1948, Page 5

Object 1 To Using Rates For Appeals

“I don’t think we are justified in using ratepayers money for these appeals,” said Cr R. G. Phyn at a meeting of the Whangarei County Council yesterday when the council was discussing an appeal for a donation from the chairman of the King George V. Memorial Health Comp.

Last year the council donated £lO to the camp, and the chairman (Cr J. Morrison) moved that the same amount be donated this year. The motion was carried after some discussion. Cr H. A. Teal said he considered there should be a limit to what the council donated to different causes, as rates were collected for roading purposes.

Cr R. G. Phyn: I don’t think we are justified in using the ratepayers’ money for these appeals.

Cr C. A. Lovell: I would far rather give a £1 out of my own pocket as I don’t like the principle of using county money. Cr H. E. Hewlett said the camp was a benefit to the ratepayers. Cr P. S. Carter remarked that the money the council collected was for road purposes only and suggested, that to be consistent, the letter should be received.

Cr W. M. Fraser: Children from all over Northland go to the camp, so do other Northern counties contribute besides us?

The chairman: This appeal represents under Id for each ratepayer. If the council decides to give a small sum then it is not necessary to go around collecting, which takes more money than the ratepayers will be contributing through the council’s donation.

The chairman’s motion was carried by six votes to three.