WORK IN COUNTY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 80, 29 May 1946, Page 5

WORK IN COUNTY

-CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL REVIEW SOUND FINANCIAL POSITION

At the statutory annual meeting- of the Whakatane County Council yesterday, the chairman before he was re-appointed gave -an interesting review of the work which had been carried out during the year. Before dealing with broader matters Mr Burnett paid a warm tribute to the work of the County Clerk (Mr C. G. Lucas) and the Engineer (Mr C. H. Brebner).

The financial position, said Mr Burnett, was very sound despite his own fears earlier in the year that they would be down from £4OOO to £SOOO. There was only a difference of about £SOO, and this in spite of the heavy outlay in connection with flood damage. The only legacies remaining in this connection were the Whirinaki Bridge and the Wainui highway. Referring to the rate collection, he said that there had been no variation in the percentage and he desired to congratulate the ratepayers .who had obviously made the effort in spite of many real hardships occasioned by the winter flooding and recent drought. The public debt over the whole county was now £66,150, and of this £2OOO had been paid off over the year. “Ratepayers often ask, where , their money is going,” said Mr Burnett. “I would like therefore to make this observation. Over the year the whole mi the general rate has been spent on the roads plus 50 per cent, additional. Ratepayers should have no complaints to make when they realise how much has been

spent on their roads!” With regard to hospital rating, he said that all counties were awaiting the next Parliamentary Session when it was anticipated that the Select Committee’s report would be • discussed and possibly implemented. In the event of this not being done, and there was no actual assurance that it would, No. 1 Ward had asked for a general conference to go further with the question of united • action. Incidentally the rate had gone up l-Bd.

He reminded councillors of the rising tide of costs in every direction, particularly wages, plant and tools. In spite of this however the 'council had carried on without increasing the general rate. In fact two years ago the rate had been lowered but he wondered now if this had been altogether wise. It was very necessary in this district where there were three rivers to contend with to build up a reserve to meet emergency. This was preferable than going cup-in-hand to the Government every time there was a flood.

Speaking of major works ahead he mentioned the Whirinaki Bridge which was estimated to cost £BOOO .and also the Taneatua river bridge which would cost more than that. Last year the council had spent £22,522 as its share on public works and the forthcoming year would see this figure probably increased. * He concluded by thanking all councillors for their loyalty and support and also the press for its regular service and reports.