THE COUNTY FINANCES

Otaki Mail, 14 February 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTY FINANCES

i BATE REDUCTION MAY COME NEXT YEAR. The County Clerk (Mr P. \V. Goldsmith) made some remarks at Saturmeeting of the Horowhenua County Council in reference to the finances of that body. He, said the AYirokino rate notices iiad been sent out within the last few days. On the increased valuation the rates were naturally higher, and o'ne large ratepayer, had called and wanted to know

“what the Council was going to do w:tli all the money when the rates w re collected.” Mr Goldsmith said a li de information on financial matters may not be out of place. In the first place interest charges to the amount of 111-122 4(j had to be paid to the

Treasury and £7-<G 2/7 to the Slate Advances Office before March 31 next. In the same period £421 18; had to go to the A’aluation Department for valu-

ing' the county, and there was the repayment of a debenture of £IOOO of the £9OOO borrowed to pay the Council’s antecedent liability, together with a half-year’s interest. The present overdraft was £3329 10/2, so that there

was between £7OOO and £BOOO to pay oul before March 31. This did not include' bridge expenditure, as he expected to get the bulk of the Govern-

ment advances lor this work before March 31. The bank overdraft, he would say, would be balanced by tiie amounts outstanding. Continuing, Mr Goldsmith said some i ratepayers were being heavily hit. One who had calTed'at the oflice said his valuation had gone up from £IOOO to £2004, and his rates were in proportion. The bulk of the ratepayers,

however, did their best to pay. Cr. Monk (chairman) said prompt payment of rates would assist the Council in making a reduction of the rates next year, Bui if they did not do so the Council would be compelled to continue with the present—henvy rale next, year. The Council aimed at a reduction of the rate, but only prompt payment on the part of ralepayers would permit HTe Council to do that.