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Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1931, Page 4

The valedictory remarks at the annual meeting of the County Council on Wednesday indicated that members diced a high value on the services of the retiring Chairman, Mr W. Searle. and were pleased with the position of the Council after his year of office. The figures relating to the financial period were before the Conned at the previous meeting, and it will he recalled a proposal was accepted to reduce the annual rate by one third. This was a substantial “cut,” and to enable it to be done, a strict policy of economy \vr.s set before the Council and generally adopted. Reading the

reports of most local body meetings just now, it is the general rule to find effort* made to reduce expenditure, and make some curtailment in the rating. To ensure a drop in ‘‘the cost of living” all round, no doubt a reduction in the annual rates would he liclnful when- possible, and as a general rule ratepayers may expect to find their representatives planning jn that direction. However, it i* p:oh ably not possible to reduce rates in all localities. Very likely carol ill administration previously lias resulted in rates being kept at a low margin, and there is always a point of safety below which it would not he wise to drop. On the whole, members are not keen about increasing rates they arc tVmselvex involved in the payment, and economy and reduction of rates is alwavs a <afe- election cry when wooing the electors. But to return to the Westland County Council, it is clear from the publicity given to its proceedings and from the gercral know'odgo of the condition of the roads and bridge's, that the affairs of the local body are on satisfactory lines. While numb praise is given deservedly to the Chairman, it must he remembered the Council a- a whole is a useful team, and capable of rendering worthy support + o any executive officer. They are all gentlemen with -varied knowledge of both business and works, and the r(suits show they have been a happy combination. Beoua.se of that, the incoming Chairman, Mr Keenan, will, find reach’ suo-ort in the administration of the effnms of the Countv, and his term of office should not he unpleasant. With a more restricted revenue. ’ probably the same volume of work will not he possible, and nee. CMirilv. expenditure will have to he curtailed, and the nofnt of good Chai”marshin and gm'dnnee will he. to do the best with the funds available. This falls fo’- cn-ofui administration, and aßng t hose fines Mr Keen an will require to give special attent-'on to the duties of his important office. For tiie rest, the ratepayers have t-he'r part 1o perform in providing the lessened revenue a.s promptly as circumstances will permit.