BOROUGH ROADS AND FOOTPATHS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4413, 11 February 1930, Page 2

BOROUGH ROADS AND FOOTPATHS.

♦ —-- MAI NT lONA.MCE ESTIMATES DISCUSSED. Comprehensive and detailed estimates in connection with borough roads and .footpaths totalling in all £ 11)12 2/8 wore placed before councillors at last night’s Borough Council meeting when, after two hours’ deliberations the figure was reduced to £974 17/8. Prior to submitting the estimates the Mayor (Air. AL E. Perreau) informed the councillors that in the past the loading estimate for the year totalled £9OO per annum. The estimates to he submitted that evening would have to he greatly reduced or the rates increased to provide the extra revenue necessary. They were already faced with complaints about tho rates and In l was by no means anxious to see them increased, but if the Council wauled all the roads and paths provided for in the estimates done then they could rest assured that the rales were going up lid at least. Last year - the rates were reduced and they would have to go up this; year to a certain extent in any ease. As a result of the recent special meeting the Council would have to take over several sections and this was not in the* best interests of the borough. All these things had to be considered whim any works were being contemplated which would mean an increase in rates.

Cr. Barron: Did the £9OO in the past include wages?—Yes. Cr. Barron: Marvellous! KMu!inning, the Mayor said he favoured a further loan at some lime for mailing and footpath work. The previous loan had been well spent and the Council was now paying £3OO per annum inlerest on the amount, raised and had good mads instead of spreading metal on the roads for ears to push off. A promise was given when the loan proposal was phieed before the ratepayers that there would be no increase in rates and that had been adhered to. If the Council could make a further promise in connection with a new loan at some future date it would lie far better than evaraying out the work by placing amounts on the estimates. Buxton possessed more conveniences than it. could afford. He was sorry to have to risk that the councillors cut down the estimates to be placed before them as he would like everyone to gel ..wlmt they wanted hut. tin' rates had to be paid ■nd Foxton bad to live within il> means.

Cr. Cowley said the sooner the loads in the borough were all tar Mailed the better, and the cheaper if would ho.

The estimates were then produced and lengthy discussion ensued. The amount was, however, finally reduced by .£(>(>7 ’> - to £974 17/8, c matter of only £7-1 17 S above that of previous years.