BIRKENHEAD BOROUGH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21514, 10 June 1933, Page 11

BIRKENHEAD BOROUGH

POLICY OF ECONOMY

Economy measures for the current year, recommended by the Mayor, Mr. G. Mills, have been adopted by the Birkenhead Borough Council.

The estimates are to be framed on a basis 10 per cent below those of the past year, and the rates will be struck accordingly by the end of this month. A rebate of 5 per cent is to be allowed for prompt payment of the general rate. Economies agreed to included decisions that only maintenance work should be done on streets for the next live months; that the rato collector's salary be the same as when first engaged; and that two motortrucks be disposed of. Owing to arrears of work the review of the position of the inside staff is to remain in abeyance for five months. Other economies suggested by the Mayor were held over for consideration with the estimates. The Mayor said the revenue of £14,000 was largely derived from the 1200 ratable properties owned by 1000 ratepayers. The water and sanitation accounts showed deficits. The faxed charges for interest and sinking fund approximated £SOOO, and street lighting, hospital anl museum levies, salaries and other contingencies, brought the total to about £IO,OOO. Water and sanitation would have to be rated to make these utilities self-supporting. Loan conversion would have to be investigated.