The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, APRIL 9th, 1925. COUNTY FINANCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, APRIL 9th, 1925. COUNTY FINANCE.

The report of the ‘County Treasurer submitted to yesterday’s meeting reviewing the receipts and expenditure of the Westland Council for the year ended 31st. March, is of interest as supplying a present view of the Council's transactions for the year which has just closed, and the net result, and position of the local hotly, The

figures are so arranged as to give an informative review ot the general financial position much in advance of what could he afforded by waiting for an audited statement of the accounts, which, of necessity, has to make a belated appearance, and at a time when the position has changed considerably. The Treasurer’s review of the matter would he of special interest to members Pillowing closely the "ork of the Council, and indicates at a glance where the revenue comes from and where the expenditure goes. 'I lie revenue lor the year, it i.s intersting to note, was substantial, being slightly above the estimate. The expenditure, also, was over the estimate, hut the net position, the result for the year, was a credo balance of £1793 7s 7d. This surplus and the fact that the payments for the purchase of plant out of revenue have now ceased, will enable the Council to reduce the general rate, which it is proposed to do to the amount of the pre-war levy—namely six farthings in the £. on the capital value. The Council expects its income to lie augmented hv revenue from licenses for heavy motor traffic, and there is relief foreshadowed also, in the hospital levy. The County ratepayers "ill appreciate this reduction which places the district in a. more enviable position than heretofore. From figures published in the Government statistical returns, Westland County of the four West Coast counties, is easily the lightest rated per rateable pound, and the further .(ouccssion to he given places the Westland County ratepayers in a more favourable position still, an the 'Treasurer’s figures is an interesting comparison of the separate Hidings expenditure. ruder the system adopted a close control is kept of the expen’c 1 itlire month by month in the districts. ■This is valuable information, enabling each district to live- within its means, and prevents any undue drift. 'The 'Treasurer regards the use of machinery as the important aid to assisting the financial position. By the use of the plant, repairs etc., arc carried out more expeditiously and more work is done in a given time for no greater expenditure in the aggregate. At all events, there is the fact that the Council while performing a large amount of work within the year, has lived inside its means, and the general condition of the roads and bridges speak for themselves as to the leal value of the work performed. It is certainly in the interests of economy to find so much work being done of a permanent nature. This applies to the policy of the Council in putting in all culverts now, where at all possible, in concrete. This is a cheaper and more lasting material than timber, and as time goes by the benefits from this policy will continue to he felt. This policy should he extended to some of the smaller bridges the Council lias to construct, and as machinery is proving of economical advantage to the Council, the plant, as the means afford, should he added to. If the plant were built up gradually, its purchase would not press unduly on the funds, and the district would receive a steady advantage as plant deemed necessary were acquired and adapted to the requirements of the County. Reverting to the figures in the Treasurer’s statement, the comparative nature of the statement is certainly of interest, affording the means of comparing present and past incomings and outgoings to he judged to better advantage. It will he seen that generally the position has been closely reviewed, and the result must he very gratifying to those chiefly coir.erned—the ratepayers of the district whose interests appear to he very well safeguarded and handled to such a satisfactorv end.