CLASH OF OPINION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 41, 17 April 1942, Page 5

CLASH OF OPINION

SURPLUS BOROUGH REVENUE

NO APOLOGIES FROM MAYOR

The fact that the Borough Statement of Accounts disclosed a credit of £1800 on the year's working provided a rather lively expression of opinion at the Council meeting last Monday, when Crs Sfoapley and Sullivan offered criticism at the size of the surplus, maintaining that it should have been spent on improvement works during 1 the course of the year. The Mayor said he had noi apologies to make and pointedi out that uncompleted work still in hand would utilise approximately £400 of that sum. In reviewing the statement submitted by the town clerk, the Mayor said that substantial capital undertakings had been carried out during the year, permanent concreting work having been completed in ~ Commerce, Stewart and Salonika Streets. The steps up Hillcrest had also been a boon to many. Dealing with the Hospital levy, he said that this would always be a problem as it was progressively increasing year by year particularly since the introduction of Social Security. This year levy was likely to be even ? more. The 1 position was that the only subsidised to the extent of 6/- per bed per day whereas the real cost was 14/- 1 . The difference 1 had to be met by taxation. The whole financial position of the Borough was however very satisfactory and the Council could look forward in the coming year for a continuation of its progressive policy. More Constructive Work <Cr Shapley seconding the l motion tor adoption said that he would have liked to have seen the surplus money converted into an asset and more constructive work undertaken. The council already heard too man> grouches and growls about the lack of amenities and when a surplus of £1800 was shown at the end of the year, he felt that., some of it was justified. He mentioned improvements to Victoria Avenue, James and Hawera Streets as possible outlets for expenditure. "I am one," he said, "who would rather have the goods than the money. I don't think we should have that credit, but rather should have spent it on benefits to the ratepayers, for which the rates: were levied."

Cr Canning's Views Cr Canning congratulated the clerk -on the soundness of the balance sheet, stating that he could not agree with Cr Shapley. He liked to see a little in reserve for a rainy day. - He recalled the years when due to lack of reserves rates had been imposed at 2/6 in the pound. Cr Shapley's policy would lead to the same thing again and these were days when it was necessary to proceed very cautiously. Cr Shapley claimed a point of order, declaring very forcibly that the days Cr Canning referred to - covered a period when Cr Canning himself was on the council. He (Cr Shapley) had just returned from the war. Cr Canning could have recorded his voice against that rate had he wished instead of quoting it now. He did not wish to be peronal, but considered himself as good a business, man as Cr Canning and he believed that a Borough Council existed ,to give the ratepayers; the benefits for what they paid rates for —sound services and footpaths, etc. Support for Criticism Cr Sullivan confessed himself a bit in accord wiht Cr Shapley. Some years ago the council decided to regard £1500 as the limit carry over in order to< enable a safe bases of commitments. However there was nearly £400 in excess of that figure. It looked as though the council was taking more from the peoples pockets than it need. At the same time he conceded, that there had been times when the council was just as worried over the likelihood of a debit. The wonderful rate collection was a tribute in itself and altogether he agreed that they had ■ much ot be thankful for. The Mayor's Remarks "I have no apologies to make in the matter," said the Mayor. "I don't admit any criticism. If we had not done any capital work then we would be open to severe censure, but this year Ave have done a lot, gradually expanding the> amenities* to the outskirts of the borough. .In the first instance it was neces(Continued in noxt column)

sary to proceed cautiously with estimates as we were not sure of the future l . It was only in the last six months that revenue picked up and readied the anticipated level. If we arc to take Cr Sullivan's figure of £li) 0 then the £100 is not a real surplus by any means for the whole of it will be expended on the uncompleted work on Landing Road and Douglas" Street. The foreman and his staff have been kept I'ully cmployed and all have worked hard. Speaking of the town clerk, I can say that few have any idea of the work which Mr Saunders lias done with the increased duties of the E.P.S. I don't think many other men could stand up under the work he does."