PARNELL BOROUGH FINANCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12000, 24 June 1902, Page 5

PARNELL BOROUGH FINANCES.

READJUSTMENT OF RATES.

At the meeting of the Parnell Borough Council last night a letter was read from the Controller and Auditor-General, approving of the reduction of the special rates from 4d to 3d in the £ (for the payment of interest on the loan of £6000) and from 5d to 4d in the £ (for payment of interest on the loan of £8000), both reductions to take effect for the current year. A discussion ensued as to the need of money for expenditure in borough improvements, particularly in Manukau Road.

Mr. Gilmour said that the best way to get this money was from the rates', as this would obviate the necessity of going to the ratepayers. Mr. Briggs moved, "That the rates remain as at present." Mr. Wood said they would never got a loan for Manukau Road. He moved as an amendment, " That the water rate be increased from 13 3d to Is 5d in the £, conditionally on the total of the water, drainago, and drainage extension rates being lOd in the £."

After some discussion, the amendment was carried.

Mr. Petford moved and Mr. Slate, seconded, " That a special meeting of the Council be held for the purpose of revising the duties and wages of the staff of the Council." The mover said that in view of the state of the Council's finances it was necessary that they should consider their position. Mr. Gilmour objected to the proposal. If the Council had not been as economical as it should have been, they should not visit the punishment on their officials. Mr. Lundon also opposed the motion, holding that the present salaries were not more than should be paid for efficient services.

Mr. Brigga agreed that if the Council had got into difficulties it was their own fault and not that of their officials. He did not believe in reducing wages, but he did not see any objection to a special meeting being held. Mr. Wood said that when they had servants who did their work efficiently and faithfully they should pay them adequately. Officials who were trustworthy, as their officials undoubtedly were, were, he thought, worth a little more than those who had not been proved to be worthy of confidence. Mr. Slater said that Mr. Petford had not stated that he intended to propose to reduce the wages of any official. Mr. Petford said he merely wished the Council to take the matter into consideration. *

The Mayo. (Mr. .Fitt) said the Council should think twice before interfering with the salaries of their officials. It was better to pay honest men good wages than to pay less to those of whose honesty they had not already had proof. The motion was lost, the mover and seconder alone supporting it.