MORE BOGUS ECONOMY.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 19, 26 July 1887, Page 2

MORE BOGUS ECONOMY.

RE that County Council again 1 We have another grumble against them. At their last meeting the following motion was carried “That considering the heavy overdraft existing at present and that this Council leaves office in November, no allocations of money for the undertaking of further work be made, but that the present roads be maintained in repair and no new works undertaken unless there is urgent necessity for them.” This was a very unnecessary action, and one which, we contend, will result in a serious loss to the ratepayers, and have a very harmful effect upon the advancement of the district. For these reasons : It is the custom of the Council to pass the estimates for the year’s work in July every year so that new works may be begun immediately the spring weather allows of such a commencement, the object desired being that the new works shall be finished and in good order before the following winter comes on. If the works are even begun now, although the ground is soft, a good start is made, and so long as the new roads are not used at once, the stuff has time to harden and time is taken by the forelock to advantage.

But the Council say by their decision that the overdraft (will not allow them to start new works. This is all bunkum. The overdraft is now about £3500, which is considerably less than it has been for some time past, and we believe we are quite correct in stating that the Bank is not at all anxious for it to be repaid. Why should it be? The security is good and money is cheap. There is no necessity for the Council to worry themselves about the overdraft as they are allowed by Government to overdraw to the extent of one year’s income, which, counting rates, license fees, &c., reaches about £6OOO, independent of the Government subsidy. Now in face of their really satisfactory financial position we contend that the Council by their decision to enter upon no more new works are doing one of two things ; either they admit they are incapable of properly using the funds, or they are shirking their responsibilities. Why should necessary works be delayed for the new Council, which will be elected in November. The present members are surely better qualified, by reason of their three years’ experience, to deal with the works than will be the new members. These latter will require two or three months to get thoroughly au courant with the business, and thus the opportunity afforded of getting the work done at the proper time will be lost, and another winter will be approaching before a start is really made. We understand there is considerable discontent amongst the country settlers at the decision of the Council especially as, at the present time, it is well known that the work can be done cheaply owing to so many men being out of employmen t. Later on when the wool and grass seed seasons come on, it will be more difficult to get the work done at a cheap rate, and thus the ratepayers will be at a serious oss owing to the Council’s absurd decision. Economy and prudence should always be aimed at by Local Bodies ; but we are strongly of opinion that the Council, by their procrastination as to necessary works, have exhibited neither a prudent nor an economical spirit.