DECREASE NECESSARY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21156, 4 July 1940, Page 9

DECREASE NECESSARY

REVIEW BY MAYOR HELPING WAR EFFORT REDUCTION IN RATES “In dealing with the estimates this year the council has not been unmindful of the fact that the streets and footways require a great deal more improvement than has been possible in recent years with the funds available to us,” said the Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro, when moving that the council confirm the decisions arrived at in committee, concerning the rates and estimates. “It is with some regret that we have to apply the pruning knife, though we all realise the necessity for economy and are determined that where it can be done without risk of the assets seriously depreciating we will reduce expenditure with the object of helping the war effort. ‘‘Except in Maeroa, where the reduction is slightly in excess of a penny, the current year’s rates are id in the pound less than last year, which brings them back to just a shade in excess of the previous year, 1938-39. The reductions in the levies of the hospital and fire boards have materially assisted us in reaching this position, which could not have been achieved otherwise, even with the reductions we have made in expenditure, in face of the lower estimated receipts from petrol tax, heavytraffic and drivers’ licenses and building fees, etc. Rising Costs Unfortunately unit costs of both wages and materials continue to increase steadily, with the result that in each of the last few years we have had less and less to show for every pound spent. It is consequently essential to watch every avenue of expenditure, and wherever savings can be made we are taking steps to secure them. Moneys saved during the year will materially help towards meeting the further reductions in revenue which appear inevitable while the war lasts. “The necessity for completing the sub-station and underground -cable system on Garden Place and the reticulation work in the Hayes Paddock area preclude us from obtaining as much money as we have had in recent years from the electrical account for permanent works,” said Mr Caro, “but the completion of these jobs will put us in a very favourable position, so far as our plant is concerned, and provided revenues remain reasonably steady our electricity account next year should again be of very material financial assistance to the council. In the meantime, however, we have £3OOO available for permanent works, a large part of which you will note it is intended to put into footways. Sales of Gas “The financial position of the gas undertaking is not all it might be and the account will require very careful watching if we are to complete the year with even a small credit balance,” said the Mayor. “The reason for this is very clearly seen when you look at the comparative figures over the last four years. “Sales of gas residuals and sundries in 1940 were £29,687 compared with £21,258 in 1936, an increase of 39.6 per cent, whereas coal and manufacturing costs have jumped from £8073 to £13,304, an increase of 64.8 per cent in the same period. The gas engineer is making every possible effort to reduce manufacturing costs. We will simply have to set our faces against avoidable expenditure from revenue in the immediate future.” In conclusion the Mayor wished to place on record appreciation to the town clerk and the various heads of departments for the clear and concise reports brought down. It was a great help and saved considerable time to have the estimates placed before the council in such a straightforward and clear manner. The council was indeed fortunate in having such efficient officers.

Sundial 25 Payments to libraries . 900 900 parks and grounds (Beautifying Society) 1501 1500 Pipe Band 60 GO Citizens’ Band 60 GO Municipal Band 100 100 Uukuhia Airport Board allowance 500 Airport subsidy 100 100 Plunket Society .... 28 30 Centennial and patriotic expenses 300 500 Transfer to Cemetery Account 300 300 Convenience* at Hlnemoa park (hair cost) ... 250 Warning 1 device (Seddon Itoad), hair cost 150 Borough Engineer’s schedule 24,061 Unallotted balance ... 124 Permanent works; completion conveniences; Garden Place (in excess of £1200 previo ii s 1 y authorised) £1000; Borough Engifrtneer’s senedule of £1000; further works tu be specified, £1000 3000 £50,003