CASTLEPOINT COUNTY

Wairarapa Daily Times, 14 June 1933, Page 2

CASTLEPOINT COUNTY

ANNUAL MEETING. The postponed annual meeting of the Castlepoint County Council was held at Tinui on Saturday last. Those present were:—Crs. S. Schofield, 'W. H. Dickens, 11. Bennett, S. Iloldsworth, W. G. Groves and A. A. Schofield. An apology for absence was received from Or. D. 11. Speedy. Cr. S. Schofield was again elected chairman for the ensuing year. In proposing Mr Schofield, Mr Groves stated that- the Council was very fortunate in having a councillor of Mr Schofield’s experience at the Council table, and that it was largely due to his guidance that the Council’s finances were in such a satisfactory state. Mr Schofield thanked councillors and paid a tribute to the co-operation lie received from them in all matters. The estimates were considered, and it was decided to further reduce the rates. The chairman reviewed the position of the County, and said that it- had been revalued in 1030, and since then the following general rate had been struck in the various ridings from year to year:— North Biding,—J93o-31, 1 7-16 d; 193132, 1 1-Sd; 1932-33, 7-Sd; 1933-34, 3d. South Riding.—l93o-31, 1 5-16 d; 193132, 1 1-Sd; 1932-33, 11-16 d; 1933-34, 4d. Bast. Riding.—l93o-31, 1 1-Sd; 1931-32, 15-16'd; 1932-33, 11-16 d; 1933-34, Id. West Riding.—l93o-31, 1 ! 5-16d; 1931-32, Id; 1932-33, 11-16 d; 1933-34, 9-16 d. The general rate, therefore., had been reduced from 1930-31 to 1933-34 by 48, <52, ,55 and 47 per cent in the respective ridings. No separate rate was struck for the Hospital Board levy, but this was paid out’ of the general account, and in view of the fact that the levy this year was approximately 50 per cent greater than last year, it was a matter for congratulation that the rates could again be reduced. With regard to the special rates, Mr Schofield stated there would be very little difference from those struck last year. The interest accounts were in a sound position, but owing to the fact that most of the loan monies had been borrowed at 4-1 per cent, the reduction under the Local Bodies Conversion Act to 41 per cent would not, mean a great deal. Though, this reduction could be obtained without the necessity of conversion, it was felt that by converting the loan indebtedness of the county would be placed on a more sound footing. The reduction of interest on loans had meant a corresponding reduction in interest on sinking fund monies, so that sinking funds would not be sufficient to repay the loans as they fell due. This was a matter that could be adjusted on conversion.

The problem of outstanding rates ■was one that had exercised the minds of the council for the past year, and it was regrettable that procedure in the Magistrate ’s Court was of no avail in many cases. Consequently the council had to place the matter in the hands of its solicitor to take more drastic action if necessary. The total amount 'Outstanding at 3list March last was £1442 19s 3d. The council’s delegate to the Counties’ Association conference was instructed to support the remit:—"That the incidence of the levy on local bodies for the maintenance of hospitals be altered from the present system of being based solely on valuation, and be based 50 per cent on valuation and 50 per cent on population.” It was remarked that the present levy cost the Castlepoint County over £1 per resident, while in* some boroughs it was about 3d per head. Various other matters were considered, and accounts amounting to £852 7s 9d were passed.