PUBLIC WORKS POLICY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19334, 26 May 1937, Page 4

PUBLIC WORKS POLICY

"A STRENUOUS ONE"

EFFECTS OF LEGISLATION

EXTRA WOOD TO COOK COUNTY

"In our own country there are many things that call for comment," said the chairman of the Cook County Council, Cr. Charles Matthews, to-day in his annual report to the council after reviewing the position throughout the world generally.

"A very strenuous public works policy is being pursued and many major works are either in hand or are being put in hand. Of most importance to our own district, of course, is the East Coast railway, which is now being pushed ahead. Although this work will not be completed for several years, it is pleasing (o know that it is in hand.

"The products of the country generally are still finding a ready market in Britain and abroad, and dairy produce is now on a guaranteed price basis. "The legislation brought forward by the present Government is having a marked effect upon local body operalions. The requirements of the various Ads and amendments to Acts make it obligatory for the employers to provide for a 40-liour week and to pay the same weekly rates as obtained in 1931 for a 48-hour week, the daily rate, difference in the case of this council being 4s 6<l, from 13s 2d to 17s Bd, or, covering the permanent staff of the council, approximately £2700. Overtime Rates "This position is further intensified by the fact that in 1931 men could work overtime, for the same hourly rate, hut now overtime or work on Saturday must be paid for at overtime rates. "New awards have been made by the Arbitration Court in all the occupations connected with local body work, and the terms of at least four awards are having their effect on this council's operations. "Comparing this year's position with 12 months ago, it is found that practically £4OOO will be required in the forthcoming estimates to keep the regular employees in their positions and to do the same amount of work as was estimated for at the beginning of the period just closed. Rate Collections "No subsidy was provided by the Oovernment for the year 1936-37 to replace the 12£ per cent granted for the previous period. Rate collections, however, were very satisfactory to the council. Cf the total amount struck, £40.434. £35,169 was collected by March 31, 1937, and as £1096 was allowed for prompt payment and £l7 was written off to assist, settlers, mostly soldier settlers who were unable to meet their liabilities, only £4152 remains unpaid. This amount represents only 10.2T7 per cent of the total rate struck. The sum of £4194, arrears of previous years, was collected, and £1986 was written off, so that the total of rates outstanding is now £10,075. or £2027 better than the position at March 31, 1936."