NO INCREASE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 2, 25 August 1944, Page 5

NO INCREASE

COUNTY FLOOD SUBSIDY

Following Mr W. Sullivan's representations on behalf of the Whakatane County Council for an increased subsidy from the Govern-, ment for flood damage on the basis; of £1 for £1 ? the Minister of Work:, has replied in the negative.

I The. letter which was read at last I Tuesday's meeting states: "In regard to the Whirinaki Bridge tho Council has, already been informed that it Avould be recommended to Cabinet to approve a £1 for £1 subsidy. One of the reasons advanced by the Council for an increased subsidy basis is that a major part of the expenditure on repair work will be spent in the Galatea Riding and will be, ultimately for the benefit of Crown lands, but it is pointed out that the Government has provided nearly £4.0,000 for roading in this area. It is appreciated that the damage suffered was. exceptional and this and other points raised by the Council were taken into consideration when, the subsidy basis was approved by Cabinet, but the Minister regrets, he is not in a position to agree to the increased rate asked for."

ridiculous to swing round and sponsor an aerodrome. "We've, got a jpb on the roads) to do : and its a big job too, without going in for an aerodrome," said Cr Cawte. "I'd sooner see the railway line through to Gisborno," said Cr Burt. "Its a national thing to build aerodromes and the State ought to do it." The chairman said that, in answer to Cr Canning's challenge to go to the County ratepayers, and get a mandate from them he Avas prepared to take any platform, anywhere and he was sure the Councils attitude would be. endorsed. Time for a Stand "I> think its time the County took a firm stand," said Cr Hunter. "We should make it clear that we are not going to be told Avhat to do. All this cheap talk at the Borough Council and through the press, is not doing any good. They should be told where they stand, and where we stand too. The, taxpayers can't be taxed any more and if an aerodrome is Avanted it Avill come either by private enterprise or by Government action."

The chairman: If it is wanted it will come alright.

The. following motion was then carried: That the Borough Council be advised that this Council is. unable to. alter its decision as. communicated to such body on the 28th June last —that this Council is of the opinion that the formation of an Airport Board ultimately concerns finance and land rates —that howeA-er this. Council is still prepared to co-operate Avith the Borough Council in representing to the Government that as a national undertaking the provision of an aerodrome for the district is essential. THE BOROUGH LETTER

REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION The letter going fonvard from the Borough Council to the County Council, read as under: — I, haA'e been directed to express the appreciation of the Council for the consideration which your Council has. given this matter. It occurs to my Council lioavcver, that there must be existing some very serious misapprehension concerning the proposal. I have been directed to reiterate that the present proposal involves neither the County Council nor the Borough Council in any financial responsibility or commitment. The Airport Board,, its constitution, functions in detail and machinery for its working Avould require to< be considered by both bodies, and its constitution and setting up Avould require to be authorised by the tAVO bodies. Surely to Avait until the Government itself should move locally in this matter, must be to Avait a long time indeed a term which the Council might the ratepayers of both the County and the Borough Avould consider to be too long. Local Bodies throughout the country arc working upon schemes and plans, of rehabilitation works and there can be little doubt that those bodies Avhich have suitable plans prepared to an advanced or completed stage must be placed in a position of. advantage. The Council again directs me to request your Council to reconsider its. position Avith respect to the foiv mation of an Airport Board, and again to ask, that your Council, or representatives, meet a committee of the Borough Council to discuss this, matter," I