IMPROVED FINANCES.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18929, 26 April 1933, Page 11

IMPROVED FINANCES.

WAIPA COUNTY POSITION. RATES COLLECTED, 78 PER CENT. "I am pleased to report that the wise policy of the council in confining its expenditure during the past year to urgent works only has resulted In a substantial Improvement In the financial position of the Council as at March 31 last,” stated Mr T. Grant, ■county clerk, in submitting rate statistics to the meeting of the Waipa County Council on Monday. The report showed that the year commenced with a credit balance of £6440, of which £129 represented unexpended balances of loan accounts. On March 31 the credit balance was £9283, of which £197 was loan money. This means that in comparison with the previous year’s credit balance the ■council has improved its financial position to the extent of £2842. Rate Collection. Taken, over the whole oounty the proportion of European rates collected to the total amount struck worked out at 78.8 per cent. The percentages for the two previous years were 82.4 In 1931 and 85.4 in 1932. The following is a summary of the riding percentages, with the previous year’s comparisons:—Rukuhia, 85.4 (88 per cent)) Orakau, 83.2 (85); •Tuhikaramea, 82.9 (87); Mangapiko, 82.4 (88); Kakepuku, 81.0 (88); Pukekura, 77.1 (85) ; Hamilton, 75.7 (80); Newcastle, 74.9 (79); Kaipaki, 74.1 (90); Ranglaohia, 73.2 (81). It will be noted that the percentages for the five last mentioned ridings are below the average for the whole county, said Mr Grant. “Taking, Into consideration the difficult time the farmers are experiencing the results achieved may be regarded as very satisfactory indeed.” Arrears of Rates. Of the European arrears of rates outstanding on April 1, 1932, 49.7 per cent were oollected during the past financial year. Steps are now being taken to investigate the financial position and the prospects of ratepayers whose rates are In arrears. During 1930-31 61 per cent of European arrears were collected and 65.9 per cent, during 1931-32. In connection with the collection of rat,es generally the staff desire to express their appreciation for the wonderful response made by ratepayers to the appeals for payment sent out prior to the close of the financial year.” Councillors expressed gratification at the result of the year’s operations in connection with rate collection. It was resolved that the 10 per penalty be waived on all rates paid up to date.