NO INCREASE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 66, 20 April 1943, Page 3

NO INCREASE

LOCAL SANITARY CHARGES

PRI/CE TRIBUNAL'S STAND

It will probably come as a matter of some surprise to readers to learn that the Price Tribunal has power to regative a rise in the charge for such things as a Municipal Sanitary Service. Yet this is so, and the fact was borne otU by a letter from the Tribunal to the Bor-i ough Council refusing to agree to the contemplated increase in the charge in the township of Whaka-i tane. The letter added that if it could be shown that a loss was incurred next year the Tribunal might' be prepared to consider such an increase in twelve months, time. "I don't know what a few gentler men sitting round a table in Well-i ington can be expected to know of our affairs," remarked the Mayor when discussing the position. "Surely we who are .job, and. handling the position should bo expected to know better than a group in Wellington." lie Avent on to say that a loss of £15 had been incurred last year and this year owing to an increase made to the contractor it would be much larger. The Council did not seek to make a profit, and Avas therefore entitled to recover from the ratepayers the full cost of the serA'ice. The Council decided to Avrite again pointing" out the jjosition and seeking the right to raise the charge to the householders. j ,