THE COUNTY FINANCES.

Shannon News, 13 February 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTY FINANCES.

RATE REDUCTION MAY COME NEXT YEAR. The County Clerk (Mr P. W. Goldsmith) made some remarks at Saturday’s meeting of the . Horowhenua County Council in reference to the finances of that body. He said the Wirokino rate notices had been sent out within the last few days. On the increased valuation The; rates were naturally higher, and one large ratepayer had called and wanted to know “what, the Council was going to do with all the money when the rates were collected.” Mr Goldsmith said a little information on financial matters may not be out of place. In the first place interest charge's To the amount, of £1422 4/6 had to be paid /to the Treasury and £746 2/7 to the State Advances Office before March 31 next. In the same period £421 18/ had to go to the Valuation Department for valuing the county, arid 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 overdralt whs £3329 10/2, so that there was between £7ooo' and £BOOO to pay out before March 31. This did not include bridge expenditure, as he expected to get the bufk of the Government advances for this work before March 31. The bank overdralt, be would say, would Be balanced by the amounts outstanding. Continuing, Mr Goldsmith said some ratepayers were being heavily hit. One who had caHed" at the office 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, But if they did not do so the Council would be compelled to continue with the present heavy rate next year. The Council aimed at a reduction of the rate, but only prompt payment on the part of ratepayers would permit the Council to do that.