OPOTIKI BOROUGH COUNCIL

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 219, 11 August 1939, Page 2

OPOTIKI BOROUGH COUNCIL

R A TIES INCREASED ONE PENNY QUESTION OF STREET LOAN A special meeting of the Opotiki. Borough Council was held in the borough chambers last night. Present:, the Mavcr (Mr. G. S. Moody), Coun.cillors G. B. Day, 'J'. G. Johnson. S.. E. Webb, F. J. Short, A. G. Stevenson, 0. I). Brown and the town clerk (Mr. W. ,H..Biiggs). An apology for absence was received from Cr. I l '. W.. Bridger, who is indisposed. The question of the rate necessary J’cr the current year was fully discussed by members. Iu answer to a question the town clerk stated that, the increased petrel tax would increase the year’s expenditure by. £43 2s. going on the previous year’s consumption of benzine. Cr. Short askedi what the council thought, about the suggested .streetloan. Cr. Johnson considered the council should by all means try for the loan. Or, Day suggested that the membersof the staff should be instructed to C'conoimise in every way possible. Cr. Short thought the council should again approach the Loans Board in connection with the period of the suggested loan, to see if the term could be extended. A term oi 1.2 years would mean a payment oi Cl 100 annually. He thought the road would he maintained the whole of the term of the loan and at the. end of the period should still he in good order.. C'r Short concluded his remarks bv pointing out the way in which thesealing near tin* Wa iota hi bridge bad stood up to a long period of wear, despite the fact, the work had been done without any special preparation of thefoundiation. Cr. John supported ( r. Short’s remarks and said he felt sure the roads, would still be in good order at the end of 12 years. In any case he thought tiie ease should lie put before tlie ratepayers. Cr. Short moved and C'r. Johnson seconded, that the council wl'ite to the Leans Board in an endeavour to have the period of the loan extended'.. The Borough Rate The council decided to increase the rate from 7d to Sd for the current, year. _ Cr. Johnson thought that the overdraft could he reduced to £oC€ at the end of the year. Cr. Short said that lie would he very satisfiocl if the overdraft, were reduced In that figure. The council decided to make a rebate of 2.4 per cent. on. rates for prompt payment. Other Business. Attention was drawn to a nuisance lx dig created by a drain in St. John Street between King and * Richard Streets. It was decided to have the position ionked into. In reply to a question the town, clerk said that nothing was being, done about the building on the new section oi the Opotiki wharf. It was. statedi that in any case TherejfAyns nrv money available .in the jy'ha.rl- account for additional work. L Councillors considered that" the lauding steps at the wharf should'he replaced. The Clerk ’ wits 4 asked Its draw up a plan. The matter of additional fender piles at the southern corner of the new wharf was left in the hands of C’r. Webb and .the engineer (Air. W. Upton) to. attend to. Cr. Wehli- suggested to the council that more use should be made ol glazing at the reserve and said that the council’s mechanical broom could be used on the ground with advantage rcsultinor iu a saving on ground maintcnaucjfg; y . Cr. Day: Tiie overdraft will he reduced ■"" ■ l ' ’ • \