REDUCED RATES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22389, 8 April 1936, Page 14

REDUCED RATES

MT. ALBERT BOROUGH PREDICTION BY MAYOR ♦ BETTER FINANCIAL POSITION A substantial reduction in rates in the Mount Albert borough was predicted by the Mayor, Mr. R. Pernor, when reviewing a statement of the borough's finances as at March 31, 1936, at a mooting of the council last night. The financial position was so satisfactory, Mr. Ferner added, that it also would be possible to devote a much larger sum toward street and footpath maintenance work.'

The statement, which was prepared by the town clerk, Mr. T. R. Congalton, showed that tho district fund bank account had been converted from a debit account of £33,299 at March 31, 1932, to a credit of £2484 in tho year just closed. In tho samo period interest on overdraft and temporary advances had fallen from £2653 to £334. At the end of March, 1935, the district fund account showed a debit of £12,829. In respect of the year 1936, Mr. Congalton stated, tho credit balance, if taken on the same basis as for 1935, would have been increased by £1847, as in 1936 provision had been made to include payment for all purchases made during March, this bringing the complete figures for the year to March 31 into the council's accounts. That meant that 13 months' accounts had been paid in 1936.

Dealing with rate collections, the statement showed that the amount collected for the year ended March 31, 39:3(5, totalled £91,120, compared with £87,502 in the previous year. Total arrears collected in the year just ended amounted to £26,730, as against £24,515 iij 19^5. "The response of the ratepayers has been beyond our most optimistic hopes," said Mr. H. A. Anderson. The total amount of arrears collected was particularly pleasing. Members of the council extended congratulations to Mr. Congalton on his handling of the accounts of the borough. Gratitude also was expressed at the response of the ratepayers.