The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAP, OCTOBER 20th, 1020. MENICUIAL MATTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAP, OCTOBER 20th, 1020. MENICUIAL MATTERS.

Ih'N'KirAf. affairs took an interesting turn at. the Borough Council on Friday night when a motion a (Tinning the desiroability of a revaluation of the town was tabled, and discussed. The object in view, ns outlined by the speakers was to provide additional revenue. 'This it was explained, would be possible by a more equitable revision of the valuations. Th e valuation upon which the town is rated now. is old, and obviously out of date. It is sixteen years since the last valuation, whereas 1 1><. average period for a revision should not exceed seven years. And it is a rather remarkable fact, ns disclosed by the local body statistics, that the present total of valuations is less by some four thousand pounds than it was eight years ago! Instances were given of striking anomalies in regard to valuations. No doubt they could have been multiplied. In the interim of sixteen years the swing has t>ocn towards the material improvement of the outward or residential area of the town. In that quarter there have been marked advance. In the inner area, the town has increased also in value. Sections in all parts, in- fact, have taken on an increment hut the Borough revenue is not- receiving any benefit. In the division taken, which negatived the motion. it is of interest, to note that all the newly elected members to the Cqprjfil—five in number,-, (done sup,

ported tin.- motion for progress, as Mr Jeffries termed it. The element of opposition consisting of the remaining five members v.ho lunl the benefit of the

casting vole, wcie const iiueiit- incmhers of the former Council. The Mayor finding the votes equal took the usual • course of giving his vote to allow matters to he tnuli -iurhed. but in speaking mi the question earlier, he rather favored the proposal. The advocates for the advancement ail agreed that without- additional income the Council could not discharge its ordinary duties of maintenance. The general rate, it was pointed out, did not cover the annual charge for salaries and road maintenance. That being so. there is a. strong case made out for more income, and a- revaluation would be a helpful aid to that desirable end. If the Council is to perform its functions legitimately we do not know that the matter can rest where it is. Heveiiue must lie sought, or the overdraft increased. The latter i.s not sound nor economic finance. This a matter where the Council must give a lead, and if it fails to find the revenue it require*, work will he hold in abeyance and the Council must take the blame for iis inertness. There is so much to do about the town, and so little money to do it with, as one of the Councillors expressed it. The Mayor remarked lliat If more money were available ii might ho spent lor spending sake. That lias not ; s"i Lite record of the Council. It has Ken essentially conservative with the '' in.ls; conservative to the degree that the j roads, streets and footpaths are thicad- ! bajo. The present Cmim il lias to uj slime obligations which have ia-ca )via. j <d on to it. and with tip. urgent works I which have licet! mentioned as imi ’ml.. j ing. there is no escape for the Council j final facing costly obligations in the near future. It is not sufficient lor j ibc Chuirmao of Finance to 1 •‘s| ■■ : k j caution, for with obligations in sight, ! it is rather the task of til" hi no Committee to assist, in finding ways ami means to tide over the difficulties. The recent Council meeting should go some way to galvanise a greater public interest in civic affairs, it will be interesting for the ratepayers to learn first, hand through the proceedings what tire the difficulties and how they may he overcome. II the electors favor progress along legitimate and certainly equitable lin.es. they will begin to take some interest in this matter of revaluations, which seems to l.e the sanest and safest wav for the Council le face mere ahlv the responsibilities ot the fin media t e future.