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Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1928, Page 4

The Borough Treasurer, together with the Chairman of the Finance Committee, are to be congratulated on the statement of the municipal finances made at Friday’s meeting. A credit balance of over £2OOO of accumulated funds was reported, this substantial amount being provided out of surplus revenue. In view of the attention tr various municipal works and improvements olf late, this accumulation of funds is very creditable. The ratepayers may he marvelling why so large a sum is allowed to accrue, hut there has been a specific reason. As was explained there is a large expenditure in sight for the water supply improvements. Over a mile of piping at the head works is to he renewed in Hume concrete pipes, and these are now being ordered. The cost of the pipes is in the region of £I2OO, to which has to lie added transport to the site, and the laying of the new pipe line. All this work will he in hand in the New Year at the latest, and in lieu of borrowing proposals ‘with interest payments over a long term, the Council decided to provide the money out o revenue, and this is being clone su cessfully. r J he payment for the pipes is ear-marked already, and the amount has been placed on fixed deposit ifor three months, so until required for payment, the money will he interest earning. The Council is also about to undertake a good deal of tar-sealing and several streets and footpaths wil bq attended to at any early date now. !n addition the Council has a considerable scheme in hand for renewing the Sewell street storm water drain. This is constructed of wood, and owing to its years in use is now in a state of decay. It is a constant source of expense for temporary repairs and upkeep, the intention being to replace the wooden structure with concrete pipes. These are being made now, and a large number are being stored for use. This work is also scheduled for next year. At the Council meeting on Friday an important suggestion came down ’for sanitation to serve the western, or sea, side of Re veil street. This would be a considerable undertaking, and the Council has called for a report on the cost. It does not appear that with the works now provided for, and contemplated, the proposed sewer scheme could he undertaken immediately. The matter of sanitation crops up from time to time, but with the difficulties in sight, not only m regard to finance, but also in respect to the necessary gravitation, a problem is provided. The matter is one of those which is bound to recur, and as circumstances since the Council must endeavour to do its best. In the meantime the Council is carrying out a very substantial programme of works on economical lines.