TAKAPUNA COUNCIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 24000, 25 June 1941, Page 10

TAKAPUNA COUNCIL

Sir, —In reply to Mr. Guiniven's letter of June 24, I assert that no member of the council except the Mayor mentioned any figure for the rates, and all the discussion by councillors was directed to the estimates. It was felt by some of us that the estimates were unsound as to anticipated rate collections, and also because no provision had been made for certain essential expendi ture this year, particularly for F.I'.S and similar purposes. It is natural that Air. Guiniven wants to continue the illusion that he is a financial genius for a little longer, as it is too soon after the election for him to admit that he is going to increase the rates half a penny this year and many

half-pennies next; year. At the meeting he told me that I would be amazed if I knew what the rates would be. Nothing which this amazing personality will say regarding Takapuna finances will do that. I know that we are following in the path of Thames and a borough commissioner. This was averted in 1938 by section 25 of the Local Legislation Act, 1938, and I am apprehensive that on March 30, 1942, I must either resign or be liable for a fine of £IOO on tho following day for something over which I have no control. 1. consider my duty to the ratepayers as done by warning them of the danger, and £IOO is £IOO to me. Kai.ph N. White. [Section 25 of the Local Legislation Act, 1938. sets forth that, in the years ended March 31. 1935, 36, 37, and 38, the Takapuna Borough Council borrowed money trom its bankers in excess of tho limit allowed by the Local Bodies Finance Act. Notwithstanding this irregularity, the Act declares the overdraft to have been lawfully incurred, but provides that, from the year commencing April 1, 1938, the council must pay trom its general account one-tenth of the sum borrowed in excess of tho legal limit, so that the excess of overdraft may be discharged in ten years. Editor, Herald.]