RAETIHI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 12

RAETIHI

BOROUGH COUNCIL. A special meeting of the Borough Council to finalise the estimates was held on Thursday, when there were piesent: —The Mayor, Mr W. Harris, Cm T. S. Fagg, G. H. Parkes, J. H. Stanley, L. J. Vile, Tom Shout, R. Ciochetto, C. A. C. McDonald, W. t£. Sandford,, the electrical engineer Mr W. Jour neaux, the borough foreman, Air C. Davis and the town clerk, Air J. H. Lucas. An apology was accepted from Cr. A. E. Willoughby. Councillors agreed that it had been necessary to have had copies of the proposed estimates and to have cmsi-i--ered. them before being asked to adopt them. The hope was exp-eased that next year the schedules might be ready earlier. Cr. Sandford said the chairman of the works committee and the electricity committee had met in conference and as a result he was prepared to move that a 10 per cent ‘cut’ be made on all possible expenditure. Every item of expenditure would be carefully scrutinised and every avenue of income must be utilised. In the schedule presented to the council the exoendUure included £2184 debit balance on the general discount less credit m interest account. It could not be expected that the Council could wipe off that debit balance in one year. The AuditorGeneral insisted that an appreciable amount be reduced from it. The interest and sinking fund to he raised had been set down at £5855 but. that could be reduced. The works committee were agreeable to reduce the amount set down for roads and streets by at least 10 per cent. Water and drainage expenditure must conic under tho ‘cut’ and also street lighting. Printing, stationery and advertising had been estimated at £lOO but that must be reduced 10 per cent. Salaries had been discussed and councillors were not in favour of a reduction. Subsidy to the Fire Brigade and Library should bo left as last year. Cr. Vile, chairman of the works committee seconded the motion. The works committee had carefully considered every item. It was intended to use unemployment labour whenever possible. When the work on the Matotuku diversion was finished, employment would have to be found for about 20 men. The work at the Makotuku bridge could be reduced by 10 per cent, and also the £lO allowed for tools and repairs. Cr. Fogg, chairman of the finance committee, expressed pleasure at the reductions. No one would think of increasing rates at the present time. He asked if the electricity committee had considered the probability of persons cutting off the “juice” through not being able to pay for light and heat. Cr. Sandford said that the committee considered that the increase in the bulk supply to Ohakune would compensate for any reduction made in lighting and heat. A considerable proportion of the sum estimated as collectable accounts had already been received. The estimated expenditure as submitted, less reductions amounting to £333, was agreed to the reductions to be made in the estimated rates. It was agreed that the question of a reduction in the general rate could be considered next year. The Mayor said that was his aim. Cr. Sandford announced that the Electricity Department was prepared to pay £3O per annum as rental for office ‘and vard into the general account. They were also willing to pay a share of the insurance premium. The Electricity Department would also contribute £6 towards the cost of paint for the borough buildings provided the painting was done by a tradesman. Cr McDonald said the Fire Brigade committee had agreed to purchase 250 feet of hose this year instead ot 500tt. The brigade would have 1200 ft. of first

class and 700 ft. of second-class hose. It was resolved to ask the Underwriters’ Association for a donation towards the purchase of hose. The insurance premium had not been reduced although the borough now had an up-to-date brigade, new motor engine, extra pump. etc. It was agreed to reduce the hours ot street lighting so as to enable the cost to be brought down 10 per cent. ODDFELLOWS The usual meeti" of the Loyal Raetihi Lodge on Wednesday, was presided over by N.G. Bro. G. Burgess, and there was a go' vl attendance of members. Two candidates were proposed for membership and a ballot was taken for one candidate. T.S. Bro. G. H. Parkes was elected to represent the lodge on the Community Committee. Bro*. H. Green reported regarding the miniature gdf match. It. was resolved that the sisters of the lodge issue a challenge to the members ■ the Miro Lodge. A sister was accepted on transfer I from the Papa 1 H;oc Lodge. Accounts amounting to £lO 9s were passed for payment. GENERAL In a competition for a challenge vase for aggregate wins at miniature golf a team from the. Miro Lodge U.A.0.8. were easily winners over the team from the Oddfellows’ Lodge The members of the Raetihi Borough Council agree dto each contribute 6d per month to pay for electricity to the communit depot r ther than vote for a donation from, the Council fun Is.