MOUNT EDEN MAYORALTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22094, 27 April 1935, Page 12

MOUNT EDEN MAYORALTY

MR. T. McNAB'S POLICY FINANCES AND RATES An appeal to Mount Eden residents to elect to the Borough Council the representatives whom they considered would co-operate for its best interests, instead of .voting for a definite "ticket," was made by Mr. T. McNab, Mayor of Mount Eden, at a meeting at the' Gordon Road Hall last night. Mr. McNab is contesting the Mayoralty as an independent candidate. Mr. F. _S. Battley, chairman of the council's Finance Committee, who is seeking reelection in an independent capacity, also addressed the meeting. Mr. W. A. Mark presided. "There is one thing that 1 cannot do," said Mr. McNab. "That is, become a politician. It is the principal reason I am standing as an independent. It is unfortunate that politics are creeping into local body affairs, and I appeal to you to pick # men who will act in the interests of Mount Eden." Referring to the relief works policy of the borough during his term as Mayor, Mr McNab said work of this nature was drawing to a close in the district, and 100 men were employed on drainage works at full rates of pay. "In a short time all men will be employed on full wages," he continued, "and there will bo no programme of maintenance work carried out with relief labour."

The borough's financial position was now the best for very many years. The total valuation was £5,-500,000, and a "business" of such magnitude required a well-conceived and conservative policy for its successful practice. Tho roads were in good order, and other maintenance work had been efficiently carried out according to resources. "As far as I am concerned, there will be no more loans," said Mr. McNab. "In spite of difficulties, manifold improvements have been made in the financial position. The loan conversion scheme, which is on the table-system, has resulted in a great saving in interest."

Four years ago, he continued, the financial position was precarious, but so stable was the position now that the borough could secure money at call at 1J per cent. Summarising other aspects of his policy, Mr. McNab said he would do all in his power to secure for the residents a decrease in their rates and the prices paid 'for their water and their milk.

Referring to the conversion of the borough loans, Mr. Battley said it had cost the ratepayers under £7OO to convert a total of £790,000. A feature of the council's Finance Committee's activity had been a (reduction in the overdraft, which was £49,053 in 1933, £44,335 in 1934, and £34,515 in 1935. Taking into account a decrease made of 8d in the rates, representing £20,800, and an approximate reduction of £14,500 in overdraft, the council had saved the ratepayers £35,300 by economising.

"In view of this. I think it time the ratepayers had another 'cut,' " said Mr. Battley, "and I think it possible for the rates to be reduced from the present total of 4s 3d in the pound to 4b."