HAMILTON FORTUNATE

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20246, 15 July 1937, Page 6

HAMILTON FORTUNATE

COUNCILLORS’ OPINIONS. EXCELLENT ADMINISTRATION. “VERY EXPENSIVE LUXURY.” There was only one dissentient at the meeting of the council last evening when the estimates were confirmed, the remainder of the councillors expressing the opinion that Hamilton was Indeed fortunate In getting off with so slight an increase. The objector was Mr C. Lafferty, who contended that the administrative oosts of the counoll were far too high on the engineering side. The Mayor, Mr J. R. Fow, presided, and also present were Messrs W. Bourne, G. Lafferty, A. M. Blsley, A. J. Denz, F. Findlay, H. D. Caro, H. M. Hammond, J. E. Tidd, R. McCaw, and F. Best. Also present were Messrs W. L. Waddel (town clerk), R. Worley (borough engineer), I. Webster (electrical engineer), and E. H. Boneham (treasurer).

After criticising the expense of the engineering department, and adding that Hamilton was not sufficiently large to warrant this expense, Mr Lafferty stated that he thought an assistant town clerk should be appointed. He criticised 4he raising of the rates, contending that expenses should he out down instead. Increase Inevitable. “The ratepayers, I k;now, will not find fault with the necessary step we have had to take owing to the increased hospital levy, fire board levy, shorter hours, increased wages and the like,” commented Mr Tldd, who stated that in 1928 the rates produced over £70,000, hut now were thousands below that figure, despite the large increase in population. This position had been made possible by the successful manner In which the trading accounts had been conducted and the highly efficient and cheap administration. He referred to the fact that there were practically no Interest charges on the council’s general account; the 10 per cent, penalty on rates did not apply until March 31, and that several hundreds of pounds were spent each year on cleaning up the frontages of properties in the borough, stating that this was unique in local body administration. Mr Caro agreed with the previous speaker that Hamilton was fortunate In getting off so lightly, and added that although he was not pessimistic he thought there would have to be another rise next year. During the seven years he had been on the council only three small loans had been obtained, the majority of the works being done out of revenue. “Compared with other towns and looal bodies, Hamilton rates are very reasonable,” he concluded, while referring to the rl3e in the costs of all materials and wages. Oounoll’s Alms. “I appreciate the necessity for the Increase, while regretting it, but the people have gone In for the most expensive luxury they could have—a Labour Government —and costs and wages have risen,” said Mr Bisley. who added that the council’s alms should be to keep within the estimates so that an increase should be avoided if possible next year. Mr Hammond emphasised that although the increase in the rates meant about a £4OOO increase to the council the reduction in the electricity would mean a loss of nearly a similar amount. Mr Tidd explained that in reality the rates were a 10 per cent, increase on 75 per cent., and he stated that this would -mean an increase of about 2-3 d in the old Hamilton rating area, id in the Frankton area, and a little over 2-3 d In the Claudelands area.

The estimates were approved, Mr Lafferty dissenting.