ONEHUNGA FINANCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21480, 2 May 1933, Page 11

ONEHUNGA FINANCES

OUTLINE W THE MAYOR "CRITICISM UNWARRANTED" IMPROVEMENTS IN BOROUGH The financial position of the Onehunga Borough was outlined by the Mayor, Mr. E. Morton, in an address at the Merrilands Hall last evening. Mr. Morton referred to the deficit at the end of the past year, which, he stated, contained two items which could correctly be deducted, and ho dealt with improvements effected in the borough in the past two years. "Criticism of the financial position of the borough is unwarranted," declared Mr. Morton. "Although the total overdraft on March 31 was £9127, included in this amount is the sum of £3959 for new water extensions. If this is treated as a loan, the overdraft is less by that amount. There is also £769 owing by the Unemployment Board for the last week in March, which should really bo taken into account, as this money was refunded a few days after March 31. If these items are deducted from the total deficit the deficit would be £4399, and of this amount £3147 comprises unpaid rates." The cost of the waterworks extensions had been reduced by £2OOO within the first nine months and would bo fully paid off in two years, when the extra revenue from that source would assist in relieving rates. The total estimated revenue for 1928-29 had been £49,590. This had been reduced each year and for 1932-33 it was £44,492, a reduction of £5098 in five years. The net public debt at March 31, 1931, was £277,371 and at March 31, 1933, £272,903, a reduction in two years of £4468. "The sum of £4OOO at call, of which so much fuss is made, saves the ratepayers 2 per cent in interest," continued Mr. Morton. "If that amount should be called up the council would pay the full overdraft rate of interest." The Mayor then detailed the street improvement works which had been carried out during the past two years. The concreting of footpaths had proved a great success and ratepayers would receive benefit later in lower maintenance costs. He defended the boat harbour and sea-wall scheme, details of the cost of which were available at the council office.

"No other borough has made the same progress in the trying times through which we are passing," concluded Mr. Morton. "Allowing for unforeseen expenditure in connection with relief works the position is good. The whole matter, with a little economy, can be adjusted when the estimates are framed without any increase in rates." There was a fair attendance and Mr. Morton was accorded a vote of thanks.

SECTARIAN INFLUENCE PART IN ELECTION MAYOR'S STRONG VIEWS The attempt to introduce party politics and sectarianism into the field of local body affairs was deprecated by the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, at his meeting in the Remtiera Library last evening. Mr. Hutchison said that at his recent meeting Mr. H. G. R. Mason, M.P., the Labour Party candidate, had said that the fight was between Labour and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. He read a lengthy list of the organisations which were supporting the present administration, and said that even if he were not elected he would always feel proud that such a large panel of organisations having the interests of the city and its people at heart was standing behind him and those who were supporting him. It was particularly fortunate also that so many new candidates of a high calibre were coming forward. The Mayor said he had seen a ticket sponsored by the Protestant Political Association which had been put forward without his knowledge. He had always deprecated the introduction of sectarianism into party politics, and regretted very much that the association had seen fit to introduce its influence into this election, in which he considered it had no place whatever. (Applause.) BIRKENHEAD ADDRESSES Candidates for seats on the Birkenhead Borough Council addressed a meeting held in the Victoria Hall, Birkenhead, last evening, under the auspices of the Birkenhead Ex-service-men's Association. Mr. A- E. Grecnslade presided. The Mayor, Mr. G. Mills, stated in his speech that rates in the borough would not be increased Candidates for seats on the Auckland Harbour Board also spoke. The suggested referendum on the Waikahikatoa scheme for a water supply for Birkenhead will not bo held to-morrow in conjunction with the municipal elections. Alternative proposals—that Northcote should join in the scheme, or that the North Shore Water Board should take over the proposition as an auxiliary supply to that obtained from Lake Ptipuke—have been made, but definite information on these points cannot yet be furnished for the guidance of ratepayers.