THE Pukekohe and Waiuku Times PUBLISHED MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. MONDAY AUGUST 23, 1915. RATES AND LOANS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 73, 23 August 1915, Page 2

THE Pukekohe and Waiuku Times PUBLISHED MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS.

MONDAY AUGUST 23, 1915. RATES AND LOANS.

"We nothing extenuate, nor let down auqht in malice

We must congratulate the Pukekohe Borough Council on the decision come to at their meeting on Wednesday last to allow the General District Kate to remain at Id in the <£, but at the same time to submit to ths ratepayers a comprehensive loan scheme, embracing water, sanitary, roading and Fire Brigade matters. Actually, the principle of a loan was only adopted un Wednesday and although certain figures were approved of for inclusion in the proposed loan the same are subsequent to revision, if necessary, at an adjourned meeting to Le held tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. War or no war, Fukekohe nhoulJ not be allowed to remain at a standstill, and it has for a long time been evident that a forward policy could only be embarked on provided that *)an money available. In Waiubti the ratepayers are to be asked to approve of a loan of £17,00 for roading purposes only, whereas in Fukekohe the amount will not reach that figure althouh it includes works of a much larger nature. It tbe neighbouring town ot Waiuku is so progressive it will ill become the ratepayers of Fukekohe if they are averse to taking measures to cater for the Borough's requirements. Financial authorities incline to the belief that money can be raised now at a lower rate of interest than for some time to come, and this has prompted the Council to submit heir proposals at the present juncture rather than to wait for the conclusion of the war.

As already stated, so far as tbe Council's intentions have gone, we express decided support to the principle of tbe raising of a Joan although the terms and methods to be followed may hereafter be subect to our criticism. For instance, bo far no mention is made of expert supervision in the carrying through of the different schemes although probably such will be arranged for in due course. We therefore await developments, feeling Bure ' that tbe Council will provide every safeguard for tbe ratepayers' interests on that score.