The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1929. MUNICIPAL MATTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1929. MUNICIPAL MATTERS.

The town has been all agog for some J days with municipal affairs, and as an outcome'the electors will be looking for some results in the not distant future. The presence of two very capable candidates well versed in municipal matters, infused a degree of interest which has long been dormant. It is many years now since an active municipal policy has been so clearly advocated as was the case last Monday night when Messrs Coulson and Jeffries spoke at the Town Hall. Roth gentlemen, while reviewing civic matters and giving credit to the Council up to a certain point, made it clear that there was still much to do which should he done to improve the standing of the town in regard to many services and

public utilities Apart from matters which the Council has been dealing with, more or less steadily, Mr Jeffries referred to the major question of sanitation. This is ail important matter fur the town, but it carries with it a great cost, and the changes involved might overburden the ratepayers. The scheme which Mr Jeffries promulgated is worth looking into, and it is to be regretted that the exigencies of the occasion on Wednesday lost liis sot vices, at least temporarily, at the Council table. The points laiscxl as regards finance from the sale of reserves, and 'the adjustment of tbe present sanitary fees, might well lie. the subject of special investigation by the new Council. Mr Coulson’s proposals in respect to amenities required in the town, should have consideration also. At the same time it has to be borne in mind that tne Council is committed to a good deal of special expenditure. On account of the water race

i renewals alone there is. a steady burden to be faced, while in respect to the Sewell St. drain, this wont is expected to be 'finished this year. Naturally with the limited revenue there are limitations to the expenditure. Lighting, sanitation, water supply, street maintenance, hospital contribuions, and local administration of the Borough, earmark year by year a substantial proportion of the income. The Council is committed practically to its present rating, and until that is increased either by a change of incidence or revaluation, the amount- available for any extra expenditure must Ho very restricted. There are certain works about the streets and footpaths which should he attempted. As Air Coulson explained the highway streets can he improved under favourable conditions from the subsidy. Many open drains require piping and streets tidied. Much oi this class of work could he done at no very great outlay and at the same time make a. marked improvement in the general appearance of the town. The new Council should he encouraged to face expenditure of the nature referred to, for the polling indicated that there was a desire to do more. The finances have been in a fairly strong position for some time, and there is elasticity in that quarter if a reasonable programme is outlined. The Council as a body now has a good idea of its work, and it should know its resources. The personnel suggests a good working team, and under the careful leadership of Afr Perry, a, useful term should he recorded. The Council received a vote of confidence at "Wednesday's poll, and that confidence should ho retained during the term now being entered upon.