CITY ESTIMATES PASSED

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 234, 28 June 1921, Page 6

CITY ESTIMATES PASSED

AND RATES STRUCK FOR 1921-22 INCREASED RETURN FROM NEW VALUATION INTERESTING MAYORAL SPEECH The City Council, at its meeting last night, passed the estimates, and struck the rates for tho year 1921-22. The general rate was kept at the same figure as that of the previous year, the council looking to the higher values to return the necessary amount of revenue. The Mayor (Mr. R. A Wright, M.P.), during the debate on the estimates, made an interesting statement regarding the tendency of sections of tho public always to throw upon tho general rate the burden of special concessions they demanded. Ho told the council in effect that certain things would have to lie made to pay for themselves, a n d that they could not bo permitted to constitute a drain upon the rates.

ESTIMATES. The following statement of last year’s receipts and expenditure, an<l\of the estimated receipts and expenditure for 1921-22 was presented:—

been that the Finance Committee had failed to realise its duty, and the present Finance Committee was identical with that of tho past two years. During the past year the expenditure of tho council had "overrun the constable”; and while the council was this year rating the citizens more heavily than last year by between. £40,000 and £56,000, it was difficult to say what tho actual expenditure would ultimately be, if last year’s record could be taken as an index. Councillor Forsyth announced his intention to move an amendment that the special street lighting rate should be struck out. He considered that street lighting should bo covered by the general rate. The Mayor: If you strike it out you will have to increase the general rate. Councillor Forsytli said that his motion was a protest against the large amount by which the rates hud been inures sed. Tho motion was not seconded. Councillor C. J. B. Norwood said that Councillor Forsyth had criticised items, but. generally speaking, had offered no suggestion intended to be helpful. In striking tho rates the council was merely taking advantage of tho increased valuation. The city had gone back £12.000 on general maintenance during tlie past year, and he thought that that sum might have been put on the estimates so ns to be made up, for the snke of sound finance. Councillor M’Kenzie supported the projibsals contained in the estimates. Discussing the financial position of the citv, he admitted that the corporation was short of cash, but he pointed on the other hand to the splendid assets that the city possessed. The raising of «. London loan to pay off the overdraft was costly, he said, not only on account of the interest, but on account also of the exchange, and he would suggest that the council might even increase the rate—sav, by l-10d. in tho pound—to pay off the” amount. This would produce £9OOO a year, which would be the equivalent of a sinking fund. The question was, however, whether this council could bind future councils. The fullest and most complete consideration, said Councillor M. F. Luckfe, had been given to the. estimates. He believed that the only one who had any fault to find with the estimates and the proposed rate was Councillor Forsyth. Councillor C. H. Chapman said that from some remarks passed it would be inferred that tho ratepayers were being "rooked.” What were- the facts? I ho city had a capital value of £30,000,000, anil here was the council proposing to spend less than one per cent to maintain the necessary services! Ito thought that the position was onu for congratulation rather than criticism. Many of the rates were less than they had been last J Councillor Forsyth: They bring In more. The point is that the rates are more. , . Councillor Chapman rejoined that those whose property had increased in value ought to pay more. Cost of the Fire Brigade. Councillor W. H. Bennett supported the estimates. Ho said that certain items he would have liked to see included had not been included; but probably in the present condition of affairs that could not be helped. A matter that gave him considerable concern was the cost of tho fire brigade to the city under the present system of administration The brigade, had cost the city last year nearly £20.000. Every one of the other main cities had a fire board, and under the fire board system the expense of maintaining the brigade was shared bv the General Government, tho insuronce companies, and the city. If were being effected by retention of the system used in Wellington, the council should have full information about the said that tho reduction in rates in certain directions was not a mere paper reduction. He gave.the council a number of instances in which property owners would this your_ be actually paying smaller amounts than they had paid last. year. "Everything for Nothing.” The Mavor said that the trouble with the council was that it did not charge enough for its services. It was losing on everrthing. Last year it had lost on the trams; the electric light had gone to klotv” the organ recitals had been a dead loss, and the Zoo had lost money The total loss was £40.0C0 on the general estimates. And no wonder! I he only thing that had really paid Inst year was the cemetery. He was m favour of letting the people have everything tie. wanted, so long ns they paid for it. He did object, however, to one sect.on cor in- tn’ the council and wanting erwytiirng for nothing—asking that everything should be put upon the rates. He woul instance the golf links. He considered it a shame lo see the way ,'in which wealthy men had come with requests for reduced golf charge,. If (her wanted to play golf, why should (hey not pay enough to run tho links? Another Waste Paper Basket. There was now an agitation for the appointment of more women inspectors. The council had a woman inspector, who was one of the finest that could be got in the world. But she brought down report after report, and the documents just went into the waste paper basket, liecause the council had not the money to carry out tho suggestions contained in them. In one report the inspector had said that it seemed useless for her to bring down reports because the council did not follow them out. But the fact was that the council hud not the money, and if it was going to have another inspector he would have to buy anothei waste paper basket. One of the «uBßeßtions tho inspector had made was flint there should be improvements in the lavatories for the convenience of children. That was an excellent idea, but the council could not afford just jiojv to put it into practice. More Bears and Tigers. Ito might mention the Zoo. It was- a magnificent asset. If tho Zoo was to have more bears, more tigers, and more monkeys, he did not object, but tho council must charge enough to make the proposition l>n.Y- The Onehunga Zoo, lie had been told, coined money because enough was charged to make it pay. Tho people of Wellington, ho believed, would pay if they were educated up. to it. There were the organ recitals. Why should the council not make tho people

Tlie Mayor explained, that last year, in order to make tho revenue and tho actual expenditure balnm". Hie <.<jiincil would have had to strike a general rate of 3 l-3d. Tho council levied instead 2 81-100:1. That accounted for tho loss made. This year the council was really striking a rate that was )d. less tluin what would have been a proper rate to meet the expenditure last year. COUNCILLORS EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ESTIMATES UN DE II DISCUSSION. In the discussion upon the estimates, Councillor T. Forsyth congratulated the Mayor on having given tlie council time to consider the estimates properly. He was struck by the increase in rates. He agreed that this was a time for rigid economy, and he thought, that some items tn the estimates boro evidence of not having been carefully reflected upon. The trouble in (be past (wo years had

pay for the recitals? The Zoological Gardens in throe years had lost £is4-i. That hud come out of tho rates; and yet tho council wonder.ed where tho rates went. Tho municipal golf links in three years had lost £1220. Councillor M'Kenzie: What did the other reserves lose? The Mayor: 'They lost a good deal, too. Councillor Fraser: But that is not loss. Summing up, Mr. Wrig'ht said that if the various propositions ho had mentioned came only near to paying their way tho council would be able to "get along beautifully.” He was not against sport. He was in favour of the citizens having as many golf links as they pleased. But whv should a man go on to the municipal golf links to play golf. n™l ex P e . ct a subsidy to keep down his fees? Iho man who went to and from his workin tho trams might just as well expect a subsidy from tho rates. An Old-fashioned School. lie had been brought up in an oldfashioned school. Ho had been taught that if ho could not afford io pay for a thing ho would have to do without it. If he could not afford to play golf lie would go for a walk. It would certainly be much cheaper. . j Mr. Wright finally expressed his conviction that the council could increase its revenue in a number of ways without doing any harm. For ins ance, he change in the night tor holding iho orran recitals was going to give the council an additional £l5OO a a, ' d no harm was done at all. He felt si i that the council would come out this year with a surplus instead of a c.ehcit -a.i unheard-of thing in the municipal life of Wellington. Various Items. Councillor B- G. 11. Burn said he was sorry that there was not accommodation provided for motor inspectors. J. he present quarters were totally inadequate. Councillor M’Kenzie: They re going to be shifted. On the question of Izard lark re»ei Councillor Burn complained that the estimate bad been reduced from to £250. “That sum would bo used up in removing one little knoll, said c speaker. “We -might at IcuM have given it Referring to tne libraries, Councillor Burn pointed out that while a £5Bl increase was asked, there would in any case be an increase. The increased charges in subscriptions should more than suffice. While there were many people who did not pationise the library, there were many who would, and the committee should have considered the matter of subscription carefully. The price of books had been rcluced by 25 per cent., and that being so, the library should show a good surplus. In ’relation to a Ririe Street playground, Mr. Burn referred to a promise made by members of the council to have a playgrouiKt constructed in that neighbourhood. Mr. Burn, also urged the selection of a site for a model children’s playground He bad never known a park or a reserve that had “paid its own way.” Ho congratulated the Mayor and the committee on the estimates. In reply to Councillor Burn, the Mayor said that the motor inspectors were being moved to better quarters. Regarding the library, lie said a special rate, bringing in £4400, was being raised to "run" the library. jThero could then b« no surplus. ' . , Councillor Burn: Do you suggest taking off'the rates? "Not at all,” answered the Mayor. Regarding the Zoo. the Mayor reiterated that he thought the. people of Wellington would not mind paying a, fair ’’councillor S. 11. Underwood said he thought it a good idea to have the council’s motor vehicles standardised as much as possible. In addition, a proper workshop should be established for the council’s motors. . . . He hoped the estimates would not need the sumo criticism next year regarding excess expenditure as the council had heard last evening. Councillor J. Burns favoured the forming of a works committee, but thought a good scheme would be tho formation of a. lioard or committee io take over the control of the city streets The streets did not recive. the attention duo to .them; £61.000 was, required to deal with streets, and this pointed to tho need for a committee such as suggested. It would lie better citv he considered. He considered, also, that committee methods were <>l*’nto improvement. Some meetings had been held without a quorum, and this was not right.

RECEIPTS. Estimated Receipts. receipts. last year. 1921-1922. Rent. * , £ Reclaimed land 46.696 39.00(1 Market reserve 1.499 1,676 781 Pahlatua 658 Street-widening properties 7,206 7,2-50 350 Sundries 355 Licenses— 1,500 Auctioneers 1.459 Dogs 1.153 Publicans ,1.918 1.200 1,918 Vehicles 2.07/. 2,100 Wholesale WA Other licenses 1 .w 420 1,850 Building fees 2-2’8 2.500 Cemetery fees 2.873 3,055 Government subsidy 641 450 Town [tall 2.094 3.000 Baths 590 Public lavatories •< 809 700 850 Sinking fund commissioners 200 (annual payments) 2™ Reserves 4,656 6,000 Fire Brigade account, rent, 6,572 and services 5,558 Gas Co.. Ltd., annual payment . Zoo 1.2*' 820 1.300 Tlirtt Road repayments 1W 1.220 Library (subscriptions. etc.) 2,298 2.710 178.247 Rate nt 2 81-l«)d. in £ Total estimated receipts . 264,569 EXPENDITURE. Expenditure. Expenditure. last year. 1921-192.2. £ £ fltreet. works 61,598 61,3/0 Scavenging and street waterinp 21,000 Col lection and destruction of 18 0'0 12,«)0 20.791 19.627 refuse Drainage Fire brigade 19/25 Reserves « air Salaries 15.8.6 Raths J-?™ Town D oll, current expenses 3 a68 3.0x19 15X6 831 3.000 . Interest on loans ... 3,310 3,310 Printing advertising, and Stationery "•!•’{ 3 Xifl Sanitary services 1.091 1,987 Technical school '00 300 Subsidy on bands Zoo ’ 4.200 Omen, wages. and expenses 6.V'6 Upkeep corporation property 180 200 Government street trade con-, irol «™ 500 City conveniences and bathing sheds ’-0“5 2.050 Motor workshops »><»» 5,7o9 Miscellaneous. electionsJinsur5.300 200 ance, legal, and sundries 6 393 Boys’ Institute _■ 200 Free Kindergarten union ... 1IAJ 100 Workers' Educational Association ,10;} 100 Hutt Hoad maintenance ... 3.08/ Superannuation *’’??? L200 850 Retiring pensions 5'1 Lyall Bay »•» Special expenditure— New conveniences, Courtenay _ Place , 3.000 Women’s conveniences, MnrKet Hall reserve 1.500 Interest on loans, chargeable to general account: — Streot-naving loans £55.000 at 4 per cent, and charges £3.193 at 4i ner cent — 2.266 145 £10.000 at 4t per cent. ... — Street-widening loan— 4.400 £80.000.' at 5» per cent — Consolidation loan, 3-5ths of £3240 — O v erdrnft loan, 1897, £36,900 at 4 ne.r cent . 2,544 1.476 Destructor loan, £20.000 at 4 per cent ’*'* 800 Te Aro Reclamation loan. 151 1897. £3350 at 4i per cent. City works Ioan, £35,000 at 1,400 4 per cent ■ Hunter Street endowment Ioan, £16.500 at 4 per cent — 660 Willis St.. Chew’s Lane, widening 2.070 loan. £46X0 at 41 per cent. — Cuba and Vivian Streets widening loan. £16,200 at 5 per cent Hutt Road construction, £26,550 810 at 4 per cent _ — ~ 1.062 Street-widening loan, £24,000 at 1.260 53 per cent — Interest on overdraft — 8.000 Sinking fund chargeable to general account—-Street-widening loan, £60,000 at 1 per cent 800 Street-paving and Town Hall loan— £105.000 at 1 per cent — 1,050 £25.375 at.l per cent — 253 £15.354 at 1 per cent — Portion of consolidated loan, 3-5ths of £2000 — 153 1.200 Ci tv works loan, £35,000 at 3.50 1 ner cent ~~ Destructor loan, £20.000 at 1 per cent 200 Hunter Street endowment loan £.16.500 at 1 per cent — 165 Hutt, Road construction. 0,26.550 at 1 per cent — 365 Strcet-widnnlng loan. •024.000 at 1 per cent — Mount Street widening — 4,000 Ngaio subway — Tennis courts t .100 Contingencies " 5,000 Tarred macadam Total estimated expenditure 264.425 GENERAL AND SPECIAL RATES. The estimates were passed. nd the council struck the following raids for 11)21-22:— On Unimproved Value.— General rate of Zol lOtd. Oitv improvements of 16,2C0d. Library of 14,'20Gd. Sanitation No. 1 of 38/2C0d. Sanitation No. 2 of 5/200d. Interest of rzeoa. Melrose improvements of... 5x, '200d. Outlying districts of 150/200d. Onslow Special Rate— Works of , 4Z/ax)d. Catchment No. 1 oi/ vO /’ZOUd. Catchment- No. 2 ot Zu/ZbOd. Public Hall of 45 Kaiwarra drainage oi o5,-ZJwi. Karori special No. 1 of ... 16/200d. Karori special no. 2 of ... 8/200(1. Karori special No. 3 of ... 9/2C0d. Karori special No. 4 of ... 158<200d. Karori special No. 5 of ... 39/2COd. Karori special No. 6 of ... 21/200d. Miramar special rate ot... 3 150/200d. On Annual Value— 1 l-6d. Lighting rate of ■••• Hospital and Charitable Aid of 5d. Water rate of P- c -