COUNTY LOANS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3208, 18 September 1934, Page 4

COUNTY LOANS

MATAMATA COUNCIL'S DECISION NOT TO BE CONVERTED The Matamata County Council has decided not to alter its loans. After having announced prpoposals to convert loan moneys amounting, to £IBO,OOO net and to abolish riding accounts, determined opposition to the proposals had been aroused in the Tirau riding, in which rates would have been increased by 10/9 per £IOOO valuation. The chairman reported that the meetings called at Matamata and Putaruru in regard to the loan conversions had been held in those centres, but no resolutions had been carried. Correspondence was read from the department, and members stated it was evident that no reduction in interest would be alloAved and there was no necessity for the council to pass a resolution. Instances were quoted where riding had paid a high rate and avoided getting special loans. Cr J. Bruce stated that, the cases of special loans had kept down the general rate and thereby benefited those ratepayers in the riding who did not come under the special loan. In answer' to a question the chairman stated that the council had the power to make the same general rate over all the county.

Mr K. S. Cox- pointed out that no riding rate would be increased by the conversion proposal.?. It was the abolition fif" riding accounts which would increase the rates. Tirau was the only riding affected to any extent,, but it had little cause for complaint. Owing to afforestation, lands being exempt from rates, Tokoroa ser.tleis had their rates increased by 300 percent. It was quite fair to ask people to pay one general rate as everybody used all roads.

It was decided to allow the proposals to lapse for a time to see if new legislation, was brought about, but to bring the matter up. again before March 31 next.