THE CITY'S FINANCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15610, 15 May 1914, Page 8

THE CITY'S FINANCES.

ESTIMATES FOR THE YEAR.

RATES REMAIN. THE SAME.

EXPENDITURE OF £144,108. The estimates brought down at last night's meeting of the City Council showed a, total estimated expenditure for the ensuing year of £144,108 3s. The estimated revenue was £59,335 6s 3d, having £84,772 16s 9d to be provided. The debit balance at March 31, 1914, was given as £29,773 13s, while among the principal items of expenditure were salaries and allowances, £8500; abattoir, Westfield, £14,200; streets expenditure, £49,550 (including traffic control, £750); public lighting, net, £3500; streets maintenance, net, £34,000; streets special works, ret, £9500; tree planting, £100; and conveniences, £1700. The total expenditure on parks is put down as £5075, of which £1500 is set aside for Myers Park. 9

When the question of the rates came up for consideration, the Acting-Mayor (Mr. A. J. Entrican) stated that the total rates for the ensuing year would remain the same as for last year. It was intended, however, to collect 3d less on the interest account rate and 3d more on the general rate. The city, lie explained, had at present a credit on the interest account of something like £25,000, and, therefore, although it was compulsory for the council to .strike an interest account rate of Is 3d, only Is of the rale would be ' collected during the ensuing year. By putting the 3d not collected on to the general rate the council would secure practically £10,000 for special works. A similar procedure would be observed in regard to the drainage and library rates, the latter being increased by a half-penny, and the former —being in credit-decreased by a like amount.

Mr. Hall Skclton expressed opposition to this method of conducting the council's finances. If the council desired more money it should tell the ratepayers so. Mr. P. M. Mackay supported the protest of Mr. Hall Skelton. He objected to such "high" finance.

The proposed rates were passed.