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Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1927, Page 2

' The County Council is to consider its financial position at a special meeting called for the purj»ose this month. The local body appears to be taking a wise course in view of the difficulties which are reported to be ahead of the Dominion, in setting its house in order betimes. There is a stringency generally, and the recent upward movement of the bank rates is a sign of the times. The banks arc being; criticised for their action, but the movement will aL least give food for thought and when it is found money is becoming dearer it will be more prize* and not so readily expended. The County Council evidently does not intend to lean unduly on the ratepayers. At (die recent meeting a motion was agreed to lixing the annual rate at the same figure as last year. Hut while it is not intended-'to levy more money from the ratepayers, it. is evident the Council intends to restrict its expenditure so as to make ends meet. This is a wise course to take in all the circumstances, and County ratepayers are somewhat fortunate in Westland hy the fact of this forethought being shown. In other (Hstricts wo notice.rates are rising beciui.se of increased expenditure, while in some instances further and semi-permanent liabilities are -being added hy the raising of loans. With a firm grip on. the expenditure it is possible to accomplish a good deal, and the policy of the County Council in that regard appears to he on the right lines. A great change is passing over the administration of local bodies having charge of any considerable length of roads. Upkeep due to the increased and faster moving traffic is a growing amount, and while the expenditure goes up the revenue does not come in proportionality. Yet the roads in Westland County are on the whole very satisfactory. The roads mostly in use are "ell maintained and the effort appears to he to keep all of them open in a passable state for the traffic of the district. With the restricted revenue available a good deal is being done without placing any undue burden on the ratepayers, councillors are zealous to see that this should he so, and their task should he appreciated. It is not always pleasant to' restrict or refuse, but needs must at times, and the Council appears to be exercising a wise discretion in the matter in the public interests