COUNCILLOR STICHBURY ON THE COUNCIL'S FINANCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12242, 11 April 1903, Page 6 (Supplement)

COUNCILLOR STICHBURY ON THE COUNCIL'S FINANCES.

, TO THE EDITOit. ' Sir, The statement made by Mr. Sfcichbury at the . meeting, of his supporters is simply marvellous. Following on the lines of our Colonial Treasurer, the Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, he said: _ "As a matter of fact, the Council , was in an excellent financial position." I should, like to ask. him, sir, when he discovered this fact, if fact it be? It is only a few weeks since the Council was grappling with the question of their finances and informing the public that they could not go on at the rate they were then . going, but must either retrench or add additional taxation, and at the very last meeting held by the Council a member of the Finance. Committee moved, " That the Finance and Streets Committees hold a meeting conjointly, with a view to economising in their various departments, so as to make their expenditure equalise their income," .and this was carried. Why was there a need .for such a committee if the CounciLwas in such.an excellent .financial condition? I think the public will hardly be prepared to accept the statement unless more details are supplied. Will he give us the actual cash balances at March 31 of each account, not the ledger balance, for a statement was made, some time ago to the effect that certain accounts were in credit, and so they were, so far.qs the books were concerned, but the cash had all been spent with the exception of some £2000. If the accounts are in the condition stated, let the Council follow the system of the Harbour Board.and authorise their treasurer to at once publish the accounts, and then we shall see what we shall see.—-I am, etc., ...... ... . Efficiency.