DEMAND FOR LAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 41, 11 May 1927, Page 11

DEMAND FOR LAND

TAKAPUNA OPTIMISM FINANCIAL POSITION “It seems as though the election has led to a re-affirmation of confidence in the Borough of Takapuna,” declared Mr. A. M. Gould at last night’s meeting of the Milford Progressive Association. The demand for land in Takapuna had been renewed, continued the speaker. Two land agents had informed him that after a long interval of quietude they had again received inquiries for land in the district, and he had had the happy experience of an inquiry for property of his own. One could now hear of sales of property which until lately had been hanging fire.

Speaking of the finances of the borough, Mr. Gould said that from the commitments it had taken over from its predecessors, it was absolutely unavoidable that the rates must increase from the 26s per £IOO levied last year to 33s this year. The council would be driven to cut down its loan expenditure. It seemed to. him the limit of loan outlay for the present year was not more than £25,000 or £30,000, otherwise there would be a further increase in the rates next year. It would not be possible to reduce the rates 6ven next year, but if the council guarded the public funds wisely and kept its expenditure within the limit of the increased rate-revenue from new buildings, it might be possible to secure a small reduction in the third year from now.

Notwithstanding these facts, he had no fear of the future of Takapuna, because the new council was fully alive to the danger of over-spending. There would have to be a loan proposal this year for the spanning of the three gaps in the concrete roads, otherwise the maintenance of these portions would be a severe drain upon the funds available for street maintenance. He would favour a small unemployment loan, to be spent upon necessary works, well spread over the boYHDUgh, and not spent in the purchase of materials.