WAIMEA COUNTY ESTIMATES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 9 May 1925, Page 2

WAIMEA COUNTY ESTIMATES

ADOPTED FOR TIIE YEAR Tho Wnimcn County Council sat from D. 30 a.in. until after 4 p.ni. yesterday, considering the estimates for the current year, when, with certain amendments, they were adopted. An item of £SOO was on the Wainiea County estimates for the erection of a bridge over the Pokororo. When it was 'being discussed Cr. Perryman considered it should not be built out of rates; otherwise it would jeopardise the whole of the loan scheme. After some discussion, the item was deleted, Crs. Kenyon and Ala cm ebon opposing. Regarding the item £2lO for tree planting and destruction of rabbits on Rabbit Island. Crs. Drummond and Berryman considered the money should come out of loan, and moved an amendment that the amount be reduced to £6O for rabbit destruction and fire breaks. The amount was carried by 5 votes to 4, Crs. llewetson, Macma.hon, Carder, and the Chairman opposing. NEW COUNTY OFFICES "This is rather a. staggering item,” ] remarked Cr. Drummond, when £I9OO ! on tlie estimates for repair, alterations, and additions to the new Council pre- [ in isos came up for consideration. When th (; building was purchased he said, it j was thought that tho cost would he only a few hundreds. It would cost £7OOO before they were finished with : ii. Ho moved that the site be sold and ! that a renewal of tho lease of the prei sent offices ho obtained, i Seconded by Cr. Macmahon. ll<> thought it bad been a white elephant ; scheme all along. "We might as well set up as land agents,” laughingly interjected Cr. Cordor. Cr. Perryman thought Crs. MVicmahon ami Drummond belonged to the Progress League. Tie moved an amendment that, a, further estimate be prepared. When tho property was purchased he was convinced that no one

thought such a large expenditure would be required. He understood a former estimate had been before the Council. Tho amendment was mot seconded.

The Chairman said the amount was £6OO ; but the building was in the brick area, which accounted for the additional cost. Cr. ITcwotson considered tho motion was out of order. The Council was committed to a liability and would have to meet it. He was never in favour of the thing, hufe now they had it they must face the position. The chairman thought that, perhaps the expenditure could he spread over two years. Cr. Perryman considered that any intelligent ratepayer would vote for a loan if it- was pointed out that the rates would benefit. Cr. Kenyon pointed out that the ratepayers had turned down a loan for new premises; and he reminded Cr. Perryman that. it. was at his instance that tho new buildings were purchased out of revenue.

Cr. Wilkinson was in favour of obtaining another lease of tho present buildings; and deferring consideration of what to do with the new premises. It was pointed out that the Council was liable for £2OOO for the purchase of t lie building. Cr. Cordcr urged the Council to face the matter in a business-like way. Personally lie did not think £I9OO need be expended on alterations and additions unless the building regulations prevented it. lie understood at the time that the Council's expenditure would not be mure than £6OO or so. 'llio Chairman said this estimate provided for the work being carried out in timber. He took if that the £2OOO for the purchase of the building must he put, on the estimaes. Cr. Berryman then moved that the £I9OO for repairs and alterations he deleted from the estimates and that firrnngerneuts bo made to renew the present lea.so for six months. Cr. Wilkinson moved an amendment, that "or five or ten years” he ’added to the motion. The amendment was pul and carried, Crs. Perryman, Cordcr, and the Chairman opposing. The motion as amended was then put and carried. The original motion was not put to tho meeting.