RICCARTON BOROUGH.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 378, 27 April 1915, Page 2

RICCARTON BOROUGH.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. The fortnightly meeting of the Riecarton Borough Council was held last evening, there being present: The Mayor (Mr J. Brown), ami Crs W. Helliwell, W. J. Edwards, J. Dempster, G. D. White, F. George, and A. D. Ford. The financial statement showed receipts since last meeting'amounting to £35 l/o, and expenditure amounting to £221.7/6. The District Fund Account showed a credit balance of £l2B 10/6, the No. 9. Loan Account a credit of £7 16/1, and the No. 10 Loan Account a credit of £45.18 9/9. Accounts amounting to £.134 14/1 were passed for payment.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR

The Mayor, referring to' the fact that the meeting was the last of the present council, said the year had been a fairly strenuous one. With regard to 'fire-prevention, he said a committee had been at work, but could not recommend anything until the water supply

was arranged for. At present tlie collection of night soil .meant an expenditure o'f £SOB in the year to the council, and the system was very out of date. The general -ra-te levied for the year was .£1.400, and the rates received were ,-jnst under £ISOO. Licenses had brought in £IOB, and the 'Government subsidy amounted to £lB7. There was a lot to say for the. inclusion of Riccarton in Greater Christchurch. The rates would not necessarily be less, but the ratepayers would probubly get a better return for their money. Tho administration expenses were heavy, some £3BO or £390 for the year, and his own private opinion was that the borough would be better off if it was under tiid biggor administration,