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New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22740, 28 May 1937, Page 15

OTAMATEA RATES RAISED

EFFECTS OF HIGHER COSTS

[BV TELEGKArn —OWN* CORRESPONDENT] PAPAROA, Thursday

The report presented at the annual meeting of the Otamatea County Council by the chairman, Mr. Rodney Coates mentioned that 3937 was the fiftieth year of the county's existence. Fifty years ago- there were practically no .metalled roads in the county, but today there were .'i7S miles. A satisfactory rate collection was reported for the past year. The increased cost of labour and materials had had its effect on ridings accounts, the net riding credit balances at the end of the year being £1543, which was £1373 lower than last year. Total receipts for the year were £32,716 and total payments £'33,258. The amount received from the Public Works Department and the Main Highways Board was £11,043, an increase of £2014 over the previous year. Considerable progress had been made during the year in providing metalled road access to outlying settlers. The Main Highways Board had taken over control and maintenance of 49 miles of State highways in the county, A deputation headed by Mr. A. McCracken urged the completion •of the Burch-Lindqvist Road as a shorter route from Ararua to the county centre and the railway, and for the transport of cream to the Maungaturoto dairy factory. The council assured the deputation of its best endeavours to forward this work, but pointed out that the Minister of Public Works had stated that the AraruaWaiotira Road should come first in order of urgency. Owing to rising costs, an increase in rates in all ridings was found necessary. The following rates were levied and include uniform special interest rate of lid in the pound, the rates for last year being shown in parentheses:— Mareretu riding, 4§d (4|d); Paparoa, 45(1 (4j,'d); Wairau, 4id (4d); Whakapir.au, (3|d); Tokatoka, 4Jd (4d); Ruawai. 3Jd (2r]d); Matakohe, 3|d (3Jd); Kaiwaka, 4»d (4d). In all cases the rates are still below the 1930-31 level.