THE Western Star AND WALLACE COUNTY GAZETTE. PUBLISHED Tuesdays and Fridays. Vincit Amor Patriae. Established 1868. TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1904.

Western Star, 24 May 1904, Page 2

THE Western Star AND WALLACE COUNTY GAZETTE. PUBLISHED Tuesdays and Fridays. Vincit Amor Patriae. Established 1868. TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1904.

At Friday's meeting of the,County Council a letter was received from the Clutha County Council condemning the present distribution of public money for the construction of roads by what is known as the grant system, advocating the adoption of an increased subsidy system in lieu therefore, and asking the Wallace County Council to co-operate with them with the object of getting a reform. At present local bodies get a subsidy of 5s in the pound on all rates collected before the 31st March, but so far as county councils are concerned this is a mere fleabite when the great amount of road -work that has to be done is taken into consideration. On the motion of Cr Hirst, the council decided to co-operate with j;he Clutha County

with a view to getting an alteration in the system. Both the existing subsidy and grant systems are unsatisfactory. In regard to the former, some road boards and wealthy municipalities get 5s in the pound when they do not require it. There are some local bodies, particularly in Canterbury, who only rate to the extent of -|d in the pound on the capital value, yet.they receive the same subsidy as local bodies who have control of what are called backblocks and: who rate up to the full limit allowed by law. This is inequitable, and shows the urgency of a change in the system of giving subsidies. And with reference to the

grant system, what can be said in its favor ? It only encourages a policy of grab, and leads to a lot of injustice. If a g'iarit is given for a road leading to block A, why should not a grant be given to the road leading to block B. If grants were given to every "road, the colony would require to borrow millions. Last year the amount appropriated for roads throughout the eolony was approximately £400,000, and of this only £200,000 was spent. The encouragement of the grant system only leads to extravagance and corruption, while under the subsidy system there would be purity of government, just treatment, and greater satisfaction. This is one matter that the Farmers Union has ignored, and it

is a subject that intimately concerns the country. Wby they have not taken the matter up with a view to influencing the Government we cannot say, but they certainly should endea* vonr to bring about a much-needed reform. Of course no one can object to grants lor roadiug in opening ap Crown lands, which have been loaded to the extent of- 5s at. acre for the work, but where there is ' no loading the question wears a different aspect. It is a good principle to adopt that they should receive the most help who are prepared to help themselves, and Avhere counties rate themselves up to the fullest extent allowed by law, they should receive the largest subsidy. In regard to main roads in the colony, it is a question worthy of settlement whether or not the Government should maintain these. The Heddon Bush Branch of the N.Z. Farmers Union has taken the matter up, and it is one well worthy of discussion. It is of the first importance that, compatible with the means of the colony, evei'y facility be given for getting produce to the markets. It is the sale of that produce that makes for the prosperity

of the colony. Last year 11| millions out of 13 millions of exports came from the soil, and any land policy, to be successful, must make provision for roading, without which there can only be loss and ultimate failure.

In our last issue we published the ■ balance-sheet of the Eivertori Borough Council and its perusal forces upon us j the need of the council going slow for 1 a short period in order to reduce the bank overdraft. The council are fully aware of the financial position, and they realise that the policy to be followed must be one of strict economy. If this policy is carried out, the borough will soon be in a strong position. The bank overdraft has been increased owing to the fact that the couucil had to purchase the council chambers v to the erection of baths,, and to having had' to take over the liabilities of the recreation ground. These three things are responsible for more than half the indebtedness at the bank, which amounts to £767 6s 4d, the annual interest on which totals £4l 6s lOd. The total amount of the loans raised by the borough is £4600, v - comprising £I9OO at 5 per cent,: £ISOO at 4£, and £I2OO at ,41} the annual amount of interest on which is £216 10s. Besides the borough loans there is a loan of £2OOO on the harbour at 5 per cent, costing £IOO per annum in interest. As against this there is the revenue from the endowments, returning over £2OO. per annum, sufficient to pay interest and, provide a sinking fund, so that the harbour account is in a good position. In regard to the town, however, the sinking fund- only amounts to £72 3s 2d, and when'Once the bank. overdraft is reduced, the council should be able to increase the sinking fund. When the £I9OO borough loan and the .£2OOO harbour: loan fall due,, there should be in the refloating a saying of one-half per cent in each, which* would "mean :£l9 10s per annum. Last year £385 7s 7d was spent on street maintenance, which of course includes all contracts for gravelling, maintenance and asphalting. The last-named is now about finished, and with:a substantial reduction in this, the council should be able to effect a saving of at least £lso:ajear. ; Economy is absolutely necessary," particularly in face of the fact that in a few months the council will have to contribute probably £4O per annum' fco the up-keep of the .bridge, which the railway department will soon be relinquishing. Ho far. as the present position of the town is concerned, no one can complain. There has been no increase in the rates, which are about the lowest of any borough-in the colony, but recognising, our* indebtedness to the bank, the amount of our public indebtedness, and the stationary state of the town, -the council will be doing''the right thing by adopting a go-slow policy until they have reduced the indebtedness at the bank, .and paid off the liabilities in connection with the chambers, the baths and the recreation ground. . .