The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 1926. LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 1926. LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Thf, Census and Statistics Officer lilts issued a Local Authorities Handbook which combines the chief features of ! the annual report oh local government and the Municipal Handbook. The volume should be of value be- | cause, comments the “Lyttelton Times” it shows how important a part local government plays in the present order of things, ond the heavy financial undertakings entered into by the various local authorities. On March 31st. of last year the net indebtedness of local governing bodies was £-17,259,153, which entailed the payment of annual charges for interest and sinking fund of £3,331,163. The following table shows the gross indebtedness of the local authorities at the beginning and end of the lftsh.decade : 1014-15 £24,634,387 1921-25 54.023,357 This represents a per capita increase of from £2l 8s 3d to £39 3s 2d. and tie increase in interest- and sinking fund payments, on a per capita basis, was from £1 Is 6d to £2 8s 3d. Against this heavy increase ill the indebtedness of the local bodies must he placed the increase in the value of assets, which were put down at £26.149.182 in 1914-15, and at £57,176,499 in 192425. The surplus; af assets over liabilities is substantial, although the margin would not commend itself to average business enterprises, for recent disclosures regarding tramways have shown that some of the assets may not he worth the valine at which they have been assessed. Of the assets, apart from cash balances, I>orouglis claimed £24,270,000 and harbour boards £13,415,000. The receipts, which show an increase of over £12.000,000 in the decade, totalled £19,705, C00. and, when the amounts received l»v wav of loans are deducted, it is found that the local bodies of the Dominion have a revenue of nearly £1.000,000 per month. In 1924-25 rates amounted to £4,668,000. and licenses, tolls, etc., to £7,213,099. Some idea of the undertakings engaging the attention of tli? local bodies is obtained from the statement that in the year 1924-25 the enpenditure on public works totalled £14,25C,88<. These figures should lie sufficient to impress upon the ratepayer the fact that local governance is not a matter of minor importance. The undertakings are on such a scale, and the financial responsibilities are so great, that each community must take steps to ensure that only men of proved ability are elected to tlie local bodies. The amount of money invested has increased rapidly, and, to ensure the most efficient service, there must be careful, continuous control. ‘Within the period mentioned the development of electrical services has entailed heavy expenditure, with a consequent advance in the cost of maintenance and administration, but this and ot]ier civic enterprises are business ■

propositions entered into for the benefit of the community, mid, if only from the business point of view, there must be increasing vigilance on the part of the civic boards of directors, as well as on the part of those who elect them.