SALEYARDS RENTAL

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14820, 7 December 1921, Page 2

SALEYARDS RENTAL

POSITION AT TE AWAMUTU. FIRMS SEEK A REDUCTION, "THESE DIFFICULT TIMES.' 1 j I,'At Monday's meeting of the Te ; «wamutu Borough Council a conference between the three auctioneering companies and the Council representative's in regard to the saleyards' rental at Te Awamutu was reported upon. The companies had previously advised that they could not continue, "in these difficult times." to pay the rental of £4OO arranged for the year to March 31st next. The Mayor, after detailing the discussion in conference with the company' representatives, said that he thought the latter had, perhaps, some claim for a reduction on the interest charged, which was over the whole section, of which the Council used the front portion. While recognising that times were hard, there was also the fact that the firms had the yards at rather a nominal rental during prosperous times, which would undoubtedly cowie again. Therefore what the Council did now in the way of reduction, if any, would be subject to review Jater on. It was recognised that the yards drew traffic and popularised the town, in view of which it was only asked that the yards be made to pay their way. The firms explained that the?; burden on them was a heavy one, and; whether the ratepayers should be asked to bear a proportion was for the Council to decide. The Mayor was- of opinion that the yards should be selfsUp'porting, though there may be allowance'for the portion of the property the borough used. It was a fairly general opinion among members of the Council that the question should be viewed from the standpoint of the ratepayers as a whole, while acknowledging that there was a benefit to the town in the existence of the yards. Cr. Spinley pointed out that if the sale were held on any other day than Saturday the cleaning of the yards could be undertaken more promptly than at present, and a saving of perhaps 10s a week effected as a result. Cr. Downes said that there was undoubtedly something in the firms' objection to the measure of the sinking fund payment they were now being asked to meet. P The. Mayor pointed out that if sink-ing-fund were not charged provision would require to be made for depreciation. . \ The Council finally referred the matter to the Finance Committee to report.