RICCARTON FINANCES UNDER DISCUSSION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18642, 20 December 1928, Page 5

RICCARTON FINANCES UNDER DISCUSSION.

“What is the amount which the council is committed to in the next three or four months? ” was one of the many questions asked by Councillor T. M. Ford at last night’s meeting of the Riccarton Borough Council. The Mayor (Mr FI. Manhire) : You will have to ask the Town Clerk (Mr' R. Sarjeant). It is unreasonable to expect an answer to-night. “ We’ll have it for the next meeting, then,” remarked Councillor Ford. “ llow many cheques has the Finance Committee paid out in advance for salaries for the last twelve months?” was another question by Councillor F'ord. Councillor R. Hepburn: None. Councillor R. G. Malcolmson: Apparently Councillor Ford thinks that there is not enough office work. Councillor Ford: I want to know the amount of the outstanding accounts to be paid by the council; when the rate notices are coming out; and how many cheques were received by the council in 1926 and were not cashed. The meeting decided that the last question was unreasonable. The Mayor: There will be a full statement at the next meeting. It takes time to arrive at the council's financial position. It was stated that the former town clerk (Mr L. Willett Austin) was asked to attend the last meeting of the Finance Committee. Fie had done so, and had promised to furnish a report for the meeting of the council. Such report had not been received. It was decided to write to Mr Austin asking him for the report.