GENERAL NEWS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19511, 9 June 1933, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS

A similar earthquake to those experienced a fortnight ago was felt in Oamaru and surrounding districts about 5 o’clock on Wednesday morning. The tremor was not so pronounced as on the previous occasions, and many people did not feel it.

The fully audited accounts for the year ended March 31 are expected to be available this week. A preliminary statement by the Minister of Finance indicated that the Budget had quite unexpectedly been balanced, but no explanations were given as to how this satisfactory result had been reached. The interesting process is now almost ready for disclosure.

There was considerable discussion at a special meeting of the Mount Eden Borough Council on the question of a cash discount for prompt payment of rates. Mr J. K. Johnston said that out of 4000 ratepayers last year only 1000 received 2i per cent discount for prompt payment, and he considered that it would be better for the council to endeavour to reduce the rates by a further Id in the £1 than give a small proportion a rebate of 21 per cent. It was better to help those who could not pay their rates than those who could. Several of the speakers who followed admitted the soundness of Mr Johnston's contention, but pointed out that prompt payment of rates was essential, and that a discount was an incentive. On the motion of Mr J. A. Steele, it was decided to adhere to the practice of allowing 2 h per cent discount for prompt payment.

In one of the windows of England, Mcßae’s hardware store there is a fine display of cutlery cab'nets. The cutlery in these cabinets is the product of Sheffield’s most expert craftsmen, and every piece is of beautiful finish and high quality. The solid oak cabinets are artistic and designed for many years of use. The complete cabinets are priced at eight guineas each, and are creating much interest in view of future weddings, and for presentation purposes. See the display at England. Mcßae’s