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Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1932, Page 4

Tin-: County Council yesterday, in :/;p wun l. t ~i\i rnmciic woro.iiy proposals, resolved on the cuts in wages and salaries for the local district. Tiie same scale as applied to the civil servants has been applied to the County staff, and a live per cent, reduction has been decided on in regard ho casual labour. The new rates conic into force next month. Them savings in addition to the curtailment proposed in the Treasurer'a report, . will be a further saving to the local body, though G was also mentioned that a reduet.oil ol 20 per cent, is to be made to the, [holders o'. Ifci*i- V reserves who pay rent, when the new law comes into force. This means the Council has adopted -the same equitable course as the Government in endeavouring to spread savings as widely its possible. The actum suggests a degree of thoroughness on the part of the. Council which should make plain the intention of she members to maintain balanced accounts throughout the year. In recent times the financial affairs of the Council have- V-en comparatively easy, but with the concessions made .in regard to the rates, coincident with the drop in revenue from general .sources, the same happy condition may not continue, ft "id mean a close attention to expenditure, so that outgoings may not get away fr o m income. The ratepayers wiil have their opportunity to ho.p by prompt payment of rates, bu|i we notice, as u result of tab revival of gold-mining, that there are more demands coming p, the Council for the improvement of neglected back tracks, However, with limited expenditure, the outlay is very restricted, but i.:i one instance related at the Council table yesterday, it war indicated that back block miners are prepared to help themselves, and not unduly harrass the, Council with requests. This consideration is commendable. At the same time There is the obligation of the Council to assisting gold-mining where \ can and '.if limit for economy measures, should not b|i,ud members to their duty in that respect. Certainly the Council is setting out .on the. new financial year with firm ground work as regard economy.