CREDIT BALANCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 10 April 1930, Page 3

CREDIT BALANCE

RICHMOND BOROUGH FINANCES REVIEW BY THE MAYOR The. Mayor ef Richmond (Mr 11. Warren Kelly) submitted the following review of the year’s work to the last meeting of the. Borough Council:--‘•Although the year’s operations show an increase in expenditure, by close examination of llie. accounts there lias been increased revenue to more than balance the expenditure. The working account ■for the year is set out in the following table: — RECEIPTS £ s. d.

Building permits to the value of £4160 have been issued, and the Government also are erecting new buildings to the value of over £4OOO. The extra expenditure on improvements and to keep the borough in good order has been 'justified by the sound financial position of our credit balance.

At the beginning of the year we were faced with serious flood damage which necessitated the employment of extra labour. A large slip occurred at the south side of the reservoir, carrying away a large amount of fencing and the concrete overflow, causing a good deal of anxiety. Many slips on the reservoir road had to he cleared before the horse teams could get through with material and gear to replace the damage. The top end of the reservoir became blocked with gravel and debris which had to he removed, the water being diverted over the top service. The fern which had begun to get a strong hold on the catchment area has been burnt and the reservoir cleaned out. The Cemetery has been put in good order, the footpaths have been repaired and topdrossecl with Laykold and cold fix, a half chain of six inch pipes has been laid down each side of the main entrance to’ carry away surface water; hedges and shrubs have been trimmed. The Recreation Ground lias been put in readiness for the football and hockey season. The ditches have been cleaned, the grass burnt, the ground harrowed, the macracapa hedge on the south side cut hack, a dressing room for men on the north end lias been provided, also a ladies’ dressing room on the south side, a refreshment room to meet present requirements, and other necessary improvements. The Library Juts been reorganised by a committee of the Council, and is now working satisfactorily to both Council and subscribers.

A large concrete culvert lias been built across the Appleby Splash which for so many years had been an inconvenience to the whole district, the Council thanking the District Highway Council and the N.A.A. for their practical assistance.

Considerable work lias been done to the ditches of the borough, Gladstone, McSliane’s, and Salisbury roads receiving particular attention. Had this work previous to the flood been kept in order, a great deal of damage and inconvenience would have been avoided.

The footpath in Queen street which had become dangerous to the public lias been repaired, top-dressed, and is now in good order. Also the footpath in Salisbury road has been extended to the Children’s Home. Considerable work has been done to our hack roads. many of which had got into a very had state of repair through the want of metal; 779 yards have been laid on these roads which are now in' fairly good order. The traffic on our main roads lias considerably increased, 1400yds of screened metal having been placed on these roads, and with the use of our machinery they have been kept in very good order. Lower Queen street has been recommended as a'main highway by the District Highway Council. The necessary specifications are being prepared, and application is being made to the Highway Board to subsidise the bitumising of Salisbury and Gladstone roads.

To keep pace with the increased work of the borough, two extra men have been added to the working staff. I think I am justified in saying that the Council is to he congratulated cm the borough’s sound position thus disclosed, and with the heavy expenses still able to show an increased balance. In conclusion I desire to take this opportunity of thanking you gentlemen for the courtesy and loyal support you have extended to me throughout a somewhat trying year, tluis rendering my position as Mayor a pleasant one. T also desire to place on record, my thanks to the members of the Eire Brigade for their voluntary and valuable services,* also to the Town Clerk and staff for the loyal and efficient services during the year.” At the conclusion of the report an ‘opinion was expressed by all councillors present at the "keen and unfailing attention given to'all borough matters I)3' the Mayor, after which, at the invitation of tlie Ma.vor, an adjournment was made to Easlgate’s tea rooms and the councillors were the guests of the Mayor at a light supper.

balance forward 820 13 7 71 13 8 Kales 2519 16 7 Licenses and permits .. 407 2 0 Miscellaneous .. 864 14 0 •£4683 19 10 EXPENDITURE d. £ s. Interest and sinking fund .. 404 15 0 Salaries and wages .. 1358 4 0 Hospital .. 302 17 1 Library Miscellaneous ... 109 11 ... 1294 0 2 1 Credit bank balance . 1214 12 6 £4683 19 10