THE BOROUGH FINANCES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7500, 1 July 1903, Page 3

THE BOROUGH FINANCES.

Special Meeting of the Borough

Council

Discussion in Committee,

Increased Rate Carried

A special meeting of the Masterton Borough Council was held last night, for the purpose of dealing with the Finance Committee's report on the estimates, striking a library rate, reorganisation of the staff, appointment of the Borough Solicitor, and keeping the Gasworks accounts separate. The Mayor (Mr J. M. Coradine) presided, and there were also present—Crs E. McEwen, 0. Pragnell, F. G. Magnusson, E. G. Eton, G. H. Goodall, J. B. Keith, T. Cresswell and J. Elliott.

The Mayor, in opening, referred to the business of the evening and remarked that the Finance Committee is to be congratulated upon going so exhaustively into the Borough position as tbey have done. The Mayor considered that the previous Councils did not grapple with the problems and works requiring attention during their respective stewardship, and tho town had somewhat got* ahead of the Council. New works necessitated increased expenditure, and he thought thero was a good deal of necessary work in various parts of the Borough that should be taken in hand. Each year, for some years past, there had been an overdraft and the explanation was that the works were heavier than tho Councils were prepared to undertake. To grapple with all the requirements in the future assistance would have to be obtained by means of loans.

The question as to whether the meeting should go into committee was considered, and after ten minutes discussion it was decided to hold the meeting in public. Cr Pragnell, in introducing tho discussion on the Finance Committee's report, strongly opposed the proposal to increase the rates from 2d to 2_d—-25 per cent. He considered that in many cases the rating on unimproved values was pressing very hardly, and a proposal to add 25 per cent, more to the existing burden should be carefully considered. Two years ago, said Cr Pragnell, the Council asked ratepayers to contribute £1,907, last year the amount was -22,630, and this year it was proposed to extract 'j-3,284 from the ratepayers by means of a 2£d rate, apart from the various other rates. This worked out to an increase of 66-61 per cent, in fifteen months. Last year, tho expenditure was £4,315, and this year it is estimated at £5,014, making an increase of £659. In addition, Cr Pragnell pointed out that the present Council will have the benefit of £128 (Coronation subsidy) and £359 (rate subsidy) which was not paid in time for last year's balance-sheet. This really meant that the increase was about £1100. He said the total increase this year under the several heads amounted to £1,214, and £296 overdue rates in March is not included in the estimated receipts. A probable £100 grant for the Park was also omitted. He thought these sums should have been added, and by curtailing in certain directions, a 2d rate would be ample. He strongly advocated economy. Cr. Keith contended that the estimated expenditure, this year, was not as large as the amount of expenditure of last year. They should make reasonable provision for contingencies. After further discussion on different points of the estimates, it was again suggested that the meeting should go into committee to expedite business, and this it was agreed to do.

The whole postion was gone into thoroughly, and the ultimate decisions practically meant the adoption of the Finance Committee's report.

The Finance Committee's report was adopted so far as striking the increased rate (2|d in the £) was concerned, but the report was amended by reducing expenditure on public health account by £100, and adding that sum to the works estimates.

It was resolved not to strike a library rate this year. The appointment of Borough solicitor was considered, and the Council's choice fell upon Mr C. F. Gawith at £10 per annum.

In reference to tho re-organisation of the Borough staff, it was decided to employ an accountant temporarily at a salary of £150 per annum, and the Mayor and Cr Keith were deputed to deal with the appointment.