AUCKLAND CITY RATES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 17 June 1936, Page 10

AUCKLAND CITY RATES

INCREASE OWING TO HOSPITAL LEVY (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, 15th June. Rates totalling 3s 11. Id, an increan of a halfpenny on last year, were approved by the City Council when the annual estimates were submitted by the Mayor, Mr Ernest Davis. The increase is due wholly to the higher levy imposed on the city by the Auckland Hospital Board. A deficit of £71,886 at 31st March, 1937, was budgeted for, to offset which there are outstanding rates, most of which are believed to bo collectable, amounting to £157,901. Last year ended with a deficit of £65,20:1. the year’s opening debit being £33.939. The council’s overdraft at 'UrJ March of £79,284 was stated to be the largest for many years. Requests by departments for appropriations were pruned so severely that in the words of the Mayor they have been given definite allocations of money rather than estimated sums to spend The council issued instructions that the allocations were not to be exceeded nor were the savings to be expended elsewhere.