HAMILTON RATES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22466, 9 July 1936, Page 15

HAMILTON RATES

A SMALL INCREASE MEETING HEAVIER COSTS DECISIONS OF THE COUNCIL [FROM null OWN CORRESPONDENT] HAMILTON, Wednesday The Hamilton Borough Council this evening decided on tlio rates for the current year, provision being made to cover the extra costs involved in the 40-hour week and the appointment of two additional inspectors by striking an additional rate of approximately one farthing in the pound on 75 per cent of the values. The following arc the details of the rates to be struck:—Hamilton: General, 2..'575 din the pound; special, 4.215 din the pound; total, 6.59 d. Claudelands: General, 2.375 d; special, 4.090 d; total, 6.463 d. Frank ton: General, 2,;<70d; special, 5.25dj total, 7.625 d. Macron: General, 2.370 d; special, 8d; total, 10.375 d. The water rate was fixed at 4 per cent on the annual value except business premises and non-consumers, whore the rate was fixed at 2 per cent on the values mentioned. A uniform rate of 12s p«sr annum would be charged for refuse collection. Discussion on Estimates The estimates for the year provided for an expenditure of £40,915, including £19,100 on maintenance and general borough works, and £6OOO to bo spent on permanent street works. The expenditure in the waterworks department was estimated at £14,704. Mr. J. IS. Tidd opposed the approval of the estimates as a protest against tbo proposal to transfer £6OOO from the electricity account for kerbing and channelling in streets, and £ISOOO from the same account for relief of rates. He thought some of tho permanent work shotild be carried out by means of a loan or stopped. Mr. W. W. Pillicar also protested, and said there was a danger of tho Government taking over borough electrical services, because of the action of power authorities in making excessive profits and directing them for other purposes. The Mayor, Mr. J. 11. Fow, said the increase in rates was an exceedingly small one, and was necessary to meet tho growing needs of the town. The additional farthing meant a difference of from ;3s Od to 7s a year only to most ratepayers, and would enable the council to give work to a considerable number of men. Rates were stiii much lower than they were in 1929. " Position Exceptionally Good "

Mr. H. ]). C'aro said that as a result of recent legislation all commodities and services must increase in cost. Hie 40-hour week would cost the council £IOOO a year. Mr. Caro thought tho position of the Hamilton Borough Council was extraordinarily good. Other members supported the estimates as recommended, and they were adopted, Messrs. Tidd and Dillicar dissenting. The council decided to advise the Hamilton Beautifying Society that it. proposed to take over the planting and control of trees in the streets of Hamilton. It was agreed that the society should be invited to appoint a representative to act with a committee of the council in connection with tho work.

The appointment of- an additional traffic inspector and an additional sanitary inspector was approved, and applications will be called for these positions.