STRIKING RATES.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 246, 19 July 1928, Page 4

STRIKING RATES.

METHOD OF PROCEDURE.’ Matamata Council Surprised. When the estimates with proposed rates for the coming year were tabled at the last meeting of the Matamata County Council several councillors said they had not had sufficient time to peruse them so that they could be in a position to say whether they agreed to the proposed rates or not. The protest chiefly came from several councillors in whose ridings it had been found necessary to budget for an increase in the general rate. The chairman explained that the proposed rates would have to be advertised, and in the meantime councillors would have time to think them over, and alter them if they thought fit. • The clerk said this could not be done. The Chairman : You can reduce but not increase them. A Voice : We are not likely to increase them. (Laughter.) The clerk did not think they could do either. Cr. Bruce : We can reduce them, I know, for I have known it to be done.

The clerk contended that the rate advertised must stand. The Chairman : Have you got the Act? The clerk said that if a council did what Cr. Bruce said he was of the opinion it would be the wrong procedure. The Chairman : Are you sure ? I Cr. Darby : I suggest the clerk go out and get the Act. Cr. Bruce is not satisfied. The" clerk said there was a Supreme Court ruling on the matter. Councillors then set to work and scrutinised their figures carefully, and after some adjustments—all reductions —the estimates were agreed to.