The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times WEDNESDAY. APRIL 13, 1932. COUNTY FINANCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times WEDNESDAY. APRIL 13, 1932. COUNTY FINANCE.

As the present year is election year for tiie Counties, it is opportune for the ratepayers to have before them an uatly report of the financial position of the Westland County Council. In a report published yesterday, tne year’s operations of the Council were reviewed by the Treasurer iu the detailed statement presented. In view of tlm general conditions of the times, the Council has come through flic past year remarkably well. The Council voluntarily reduced the rate for last year, which was a bold stroKc in view of other falling levenue. as a matter of lad, the Council’s revenue was some £5OOll less, which in itself was a considerable handicap. But tliis was met by reduced expenditure, and the absorbing of the previous credit balance. At the same time, the Council had great help in utilising unemployed labour, and saved about £2600 on the former year’s expenditure thereby. This saving was made ni the maintenance of the district, roads, many of which in the central district have been improved greatly. A feature of the report was the information given of the expenditure on roads etc?, so that the Council was out to do good serviced The condition of the roads generally to-day, hears evidence of that outgoing. The report looking to thi' future, anticipates a further contraction of revenue, and it appears the usual Government grants will also diminish. r I he lall in income it is proposed to meet by lessened expenditure. More use is to be made of the unemployed in general maintenance. To that end, the expenditure on both secondary highways and district roads will be less in money costs, but by a systematic use of the available Iron labour it is expected this will affect the general standard of the road maintenance. It will be good news for the ratepayers to learn that it is not proposed Lo revert to the six farthings rate, even though general income will be less. It is proposed to keep the rate at four farthing- the same a s last year —and the district will remain the lowest rated on the West Coast. Willi (bis continued eoncess i< in to the ratepayers, il is exported payment will be made promptly without the iinlucment of any rebate, which has not been recommended. The

report makes an appropriate reference lo the staff, on whom the general uM ilitv of the adniinistfation re-ts. It is eviili id loyal service has been rendered to achieve the results v, hi 4i the ra l'M) i.ver; of Westland ('(.mil v enjoy. The Councillors have lI,Pi | lie posit ion well and readily ,_rrr..d lo fewer mietiiigs t<> save costs. Members have been regular in their ;•,! tendaii " , and always take a close

'interest in the business, The Hummi’* work runs very smooblv indeed, and excelle I service has la-ti given the eleet.il> All election will emu he ,t | m ,id, mid 1 hose of (he pr 'I .(•..mail who offer themselves have , mueli to reromni" :d then, in I he record | .over the pah three years. 'I lie busi- ' new of the Council has been well at-

tended to, and the district has been maintained in a way creditable to all concerned with its management.