WHANGAREI AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20986, 24 September 1931, Page 6

WHANGAREI AFFAIRS.

RACING CLUB'S REQUEST.

REVIEWING / BOROUGH FINANCES

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. J WHANGAREI, Wednesday. A deputation from the Whangarei Racing Club waited on the Whangarei Borough Council at its meeting on Monday evening in reference to the club's lease of Kensington Park. Mr. R. G. Hosking said the club requested that a clause should be inserted in the agreement giving the club the right of removal of its buildings. The club had spent the bulk of its earnings in Kensington Park, and erected buildings costing over £3OOO. The right of removal of its buildings would strengthen the club's financial standing. Should the position arise that the club was unable to function on account of the present difficult times, the borough would lose a valuable tenant. The council decided to refer the matter to the Legal and Finance Committee for consideration. When the schedule of works for the quarter submitted by the Works Committee was under consideration, Mr. L. T. Pickmere moved that the item "Otaika Road, £836," be deleted for the present, and the financial position reviewed by the Finance Committee. He considered that before anything further was done to this road, the borough finances should be reviewed. "There is a danger that the council may find it necessary to increase rates next year," continued Mr. Pickmere, ''and this is to be avoided if possible." The Mayor, Mr. W. Jones, said he agreed with Mr. Pickmere up to a point but he considered the work should be completed. The council adopted the Works Committee's report. At a later stage Mr. Pickmere moved that the Finance Committee review the expenditure for the year with a view to preventing an increase of rates next year. The motion was carried.