REDUCTION IN RATES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4962, 16 April 1926, Page 2

REDUCTION IN RATES.

SATISFACTORY FINANCES.

GOOD ADMINISTRATION.

The presentation of the annual ba t l~ a.ncc-sheet and rate statement at last night’s meeting - of the Paeroa Borough Council, conveyed th? .good news that a reduction of three-farthings in the £ on the total rates had,been made possible.

Commenting on the position, the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) pointed out that the reduction hi rates was, suggested because it was realised tha,t the town and country gviierally required relief from the.continuous upward movement in public expenditure which ' necessitated increased rates and taxes. The present year wa r s a time for strict economy, and the sound policy appeared to be to assess the rates on the people’s capacity to pay and estimate the expenditure accordingly, even i'f it meant doing without some things which we would like to have but which we really could not afford. The present: position of the borough finances was very sat-

isfactory indeed, and. with the piactice of strict economy and good administration the .finances might be kept *so without much heavier charges. In his opinion last year’s ; rates were approximately a‘ r s.-high as the ratepayers- could afford, and he thought, further, that unless more loans were advocated it should be possible to keep it nea.r to that, figure 'for a few years,to come, when, doubtless, the increased prosperity and consequent rise in valuations ,would make for increased revenue. The present indications were that the movement to make Paeroa a distributing and" connecting centre'was being accelerated, and nothing was more likely’ to' assist it than the definite assurance that local j'ates were not -'going-to-increase to any -appreciable extent. The proposed, reduction was the best guarantee that could be given on that point. - The Mayor said he- was confident that, providing ratepayers were reasonable, it be stated that the present position of the various accounts would be maintained at the close of the next financial ye„a.r. He thought it was reasonable to a;sk for the' co-operation of ratepayers in th'c matter,” and said that he felt sure it would be forthcoming fr-the position was properly understood. , , The Mayor formally moved' the adoption of the balance-sheet .and recommendations. '

In seconding the resolution Cr. E. Edwards, remarked on the very satisfactory' state of the borough affairs. It wa r s gratifying to look back and. see. what had been acqompliished, and t,6 know that the various accounts* were in credit. ■ ; ’ Cr. H. J. Hare said it was a matter, for congratulation that the borough should find itself in s,uch a happy position. It was generally agreed that the position had been Largely brought about by th'e business acumen, administrative ability, and foresight of His Worship the Mayor, to whom the thanks of the ratepayers, wais; due in large measure.