The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1929. COUNTY MATTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1929. COUNTY MATTERS.

The Westland County Council rescued this week to add additional machinery to its road plant. There was some division of opinion on the matter, but it would appear from the general trend of the discussion that a proper 'step was taken. The grader was reported on as being both economical and efficient. It is not a new method of road maintenance, for there are now many su,dh /implements operating ,in New Zealand, and the generally improved state of the roads must in a measure be credited to the use of suitable machinery to assist in tlie general repair work. The highways scheme has resulted certain]j’ in an advance in the system and quality of road making and maintenance. Long lengths of roads are improved immeasurably on what was the condition of a few years ago. Machinery has played its part In achieving the good results. The County Council would be lagging behind the times were it not to be up-to-date in its methods of maintenance, and the district would suffer if its arterial roads were not maintained at an improved standard for the class and volume of traffic now plying on the highways. In supporting and urging the purchase of the plant, the Chairman (Mr Ward) expressed pleasure in stating that it was possible for the Council to meet the liability proposed

by a cash payment. He referred to the improved state of the. finances, stating that the Treasurer had supplied members with a report at date which disclosed a satisfactory financial position Mr Ward said it was gratifying to find that under the rebate on rates system, over half the amount of the collectable rates had been paid, and from tlie accumulated funds it had

l)oon possible to provide for tbo paying off of the balance of £4CO on the

Antecedent Liability Loan the previous month while at the recent meeting authority was given also to pay off £6-13, balance on the Petersen iioad-La Fontaine Creek Loans. This action was in .accordance with the Treasurer’s report in April last, when it was recommended that the course be tollowed as' the next, repayments on the loans in question fell due. The effect on the County funds will be a -substantial saving in interest, and it is satisfactory to find 'that the estimates made at the beginiiing of the financial year are being realised, and enabling the Council to improve its general financial position so satisfactorily. On that account the Chairman had no reservations in advising the Council to purchase plant, \ the use of which would tend to further improve the general situation in ’ regard .to works. It is very satisfactory to learn of the improved financial’position of the Council which'has been attained without increasing the' rates in any way.' On tli'e other harid, it is proposed to reduce the .rates next year, as certain special rates will at least be cut out, owing to the loans being paid off. The Westland bounty ratepayers are the. most fortunately placed on the. Coast, being the lowest rated per pound of capital value, and having had greatly improved roads provided without any extra burden being placed on the ratepayers. This position is the more gratifying when the volume of expenditure is regarded. The Treasurer’s report above referred to, mentioned that the expenditure for the past five months was £11,183 as against £8133 for the corresponding period of the previous year, showing a well sustained. policy of works has been possible without any. increase of rates. On the whole, therefore, tlje Coun ii appeared well justified in favourably considering the addition of serviceable road plant, seeing that it was commended as a more economical means of doing still further improved work for the general benefit of the roads of the I— strict.