County Council Fiance.

Opunake Times, Volume II, Issue 81, 12 April 1895, Page 2

County Council Fiance.

At the Taranaki County Council meeting on Monday, Mr Horrocksf pursuant to notice give% movcdi " That the Council, after considering the statements at next meeting, fi* the estimated revenue for the financial year ending 31st March, 1896, and make appropriation as follows: —(1.) A sum to discharge the cost of ad* ministration to date, if accounts W overdrawn, and a sum to discbarge any other account overdrawn in which all the ridings are equally interested, if any. (2.) A sum to provide for acU ministration during the year. (8.) A sum to provide for a requisite number of surfacemen in each riding, at so much per surfaceman, such sums to be a first charge against those ridings in credit, and a second charge against those in debit. The number of surfacemen to be fixed for each riding.

(4.) A sum to balance those ridings in credit from this financial year. (6.) The balance to be divided between the

ridings pro rata according to the rate money in each riding. (6.) Those ridings overdrawn to March 81st, 1895 (inclusive of outstanding liabilities of each) to have such sums placed against each as a first charge for the ensuing

year." . Mr Connett would like to see the proposal altered in order that each riding have its own rates, including toll money. Mr Okey did not agree with Mr Connett. It would be much fairer to have it put under general revenue. Mr Adlam concurred with the previous speaker. Mr MeCullum said he would much prefer that the resolution be allowed to stand over until next meeting, in

order that the matter could be properly considered. - . Mr McGloin contended that it was impossible to allocate a stated sum for each riding, as they did not know what contingencies would arise. Mr Peters said the resolution was framed with a view of putting the financial proposals on a sound basis* It simply provided machinery, which

was absolutely necessary. The Chairman was strongly in favor of the present system. Every riding had its fair share, and there were no difficulties in administration. Mr Connett moved, as an amendment, "That the allocation be made on a basis of rates and tolls colleofcKl in each riding." Mr Tate thought that such a system as proposed would create a game of grab. He considered that the revenue collected in a riding should be spent in that ridiug, and he seconded Mr Connett's amendment.

The Chairman : My own opinion is that the toll money should be spent in the locality where it is collected. It only amounts to a trifling sum. Mr Connett: That is so, and it would be only fairness to do that. _ Mr Horrrocks said if the Council wished it he would accept the amend; ment.

Mr Peters: I hope the amendment is carried, Mr Chairman, as it'will be' much in favor of the Moa Riding j which I represent. The amendment was then put and carried —Ayes (5): Messrs Connett, Tate, Peters, and the chair- , man. Noes (4): Messrs Adlam, Mo-. Cullum, Okey, and McGloin. The schedule, "as amended, was put and carried.

Mr Horrocks said he noticed from the statement prepared by the clerk that the estimated revenue for 1895-96-amounted to £5955, made up as follows :—Kates, £8400; tolls, £1718; * arrears of rates, £212; dog registration, wheel tax, &c, £BB7. Ht thought the Council would not fai far out when it put down the estimated revenue at £6OOO, and he moved a re- : solution to that effect. The next matter would be to provide for the Cost of administration. Last'fyear the ad- - ministration <;ost £IBSO 10s 6d, whieh he considered was rather high. The Chairman explained that there were extra costs, such as collecting toll, assessing, &c. "' '<: "■•''■•' Mr Horrocks said that made all the difference. | The Chairman stated that the' ordinary administration last year amounted to £720, which included lair costs. After some further discussion, MrHorrocks moved, "That £IOSO 10s 6d be allocated to wipe of the present liadility of Jthe administration account." Mr Adlam asked for an explanation. Mr Horrocks said that in Maroh of last year £BOO were alloted for administration, but in addition to that £IOSO 10s 6d had been expended. Mr McGloin did not think it was fair that the Parihaka and Omata • Ridings should be made to contribute -. towards the erection of tollgates in the Waitara and Moa Ridings. He moved, as an amendment, "That the last named ridings be debited with - that sum." Mr Okey seconded the proposition. The question was fully debated, and the amendment was finally put and lost* ;; '. The resolution was carried on^a■■:••' division—five voting for and four against. Mr Horrocks moved, " That £7OO be allocated for administration during the coming pear." '■•■ : ■ ■ Seconded by Mr Connett. • •;■';■'> < The amount was amended, on the motion of Mr Okey, to £BOO, and carried. • ';? It was also decided that £77 12s 5d be made a third charge against tht liabilities. The amount for surface-. men was fixed at £530. Mr Horrocks moved, " That the Omata Riding being £255 in credit, that amount be taken out of the £6000." Seconded by Mr Okey, and carried. The following allocations for the different ridings were made, subject tc?,;." any corrections by the clerk: Moa * Riding, £1157; Waitara, £740.4 Omata, £680; Parihaka, £710; total, £B2B7.—News.