DISTRICT NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 4 November 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

KAUKAPAKA.PA

(From a Correspondent.)

On Monday evening, Mr F. Dye. who has represented Kaukapakapa riding on the Waitemata County Council for the past fifteen years, and who has decided to retire, appeared before a representative meeting of ratepayers to give an account of the past year's working of the Council.

Mr Diprose, tho councillor elect for the next term, was in the chair, and spoke of Mr Dye's long and faithful services to the county. The chairman stressed the fact that Mr Dye had been particularly successful in getting Government grants for this riding.

Mr Dye opened his address by congratulating the ratepayers in having secured the services of Mr Di prose as their representative, and proffered his services and advice if at any time called upon. Touching upon county matters Mr Dye complained that he had not had fair treatment from the majority of the Council, being always in a minority of one. He showed that when he took office, three years ago this riding was, according to the balance sheet —which was audited three times and signed as correct by the Auditor-General — £74 in credit. A year later the debit balance was £936. though how this came about Mr Dye does not know, nor can he find out. By the readjustment of riding accounts, which the speaker claimed, was unfairly carried out, his riding was robbed of £310. From this blow to its finances, the riding has not recovered, bei-ig now £830 in debt. As against; this, the year's rates will be due in January next. These, with subsidy, amount to about £600. This riding, in common with others, has* a share in the Waitakere quarry site (which we do not need, having abundance of good metal, easily available), share of office site, and smaller amounts. Mr Dye said that he had great difficulty in getting the services of the engineer, so that a considerable amount of grant money, though available, was not spent.

At the conclusion of his address Mr Dye was asked several questions, to which he replied. On the motion of Mr Stevens, seconded by Mr H. Hooper, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr, Dye was carried with acclamation, and the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow."