RATING RESERVES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2592, 12 June 1923, Page 2

RATING RESERVES.

THANSFED OF RATES TO DESERVES REVENUE REJECTED.

At last night's Council meeting, Cr. Smith moved, seconded by Cr. Ross, that the total amount received in rates from Easton Park and other pleasure reserves be granted to Deserves account from the general account each year. Cr. Smith said that the finding out this was not done had been a “bombshell” to him. He was under the impression that all revenue from reserves went to reserves. The Mayor said that he was of the opinion that "every tub should stand on its own bottom.” Previous to Easton Park being donated tci| the borough the unimproved value was listed at £720. Upon the

donation'of the section the Council

had to purchase a section to obtain an entrance to the reserve, the unimproved value of which was £260 This meant that approximately £I,OOO was taka from the unimproved value of the borough. This meant that this decrease had to be made up by the ratepayers by increased rates over the borough. The Beautifying Society had raised a sum of money* which was quite sufficient to last them for two or three years to come. The sum of over £7OO hud been spent in reserves in the last three years. Cr. Bryant said that the Deserves account, was at debit at present but at the end of the year when the rentals came iu they would be able to grant some of it to Easton Park. Cr. Smith said that he hoped the motion would pass. They had done little enough iu connection with reserves. Cr. Thorpe: How much is available to spend each year2 The Mayor: About £l5O. Every penny that is being received is spent on reserves. The motion was then put and lost, the Mayor and Crs. Bryant, Coley, Parkin, Adams, and Walker voting against.