CAMBRIDGE BOROUGH

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 358, 19 May 1928, Page 12

CAMBRIDGE BOROUGH

RATES INCREASED The rates and estimates for the ensuing year were confirmed at the monthly meeting of the borough council, held on Thursday, the Mayor, Mr. T. F. Richards, presiding. The estimates provide for a total expenditure of £17,466, as against £14,629 15s last year, which concluded with a debit balance of £1,139. The increased estimate is due to the increased hospital levy, heavier expenditure for fire prevention, and the overspending of several items last year. This year’s figure, of course, includes the debit. It was decided to increase the rates by a halfpenny, and to dismiss one of the outside staff. With this provision it is estimated that the year will end with a debit of £328. The decision to increase the rates by a half penny was not unanimous, several preferring a farthing increase. Total rates confirmed are 6 5-16 d, as against; 5 13-16 d last year; general rate, 2 11-16 d; water rate, 12d. The council resolved to reduce the price of gas by 10 a 1000 ft on all gas consumed over 500 ft. The annual meeting of the Farmers’ Union was held yesterday, Mr. J. Bruce presiding. The balance sheet showed that the year commenced with a debit of £l6 14s lOd, and ended with a credit of £24 os. Assets amounted to £1,032; liabilities. £l2 10 s. The following officers were elected: President, Mr. H. Watkins; vice-presi-dents Messrs. J. A. Wallace and C. H. Humphries; auditor, Mr. A. D. Hawkesby; executive, Messrs. A. NT Macky, J. Bruce, E. Simon, R. H. Feisst and the president and vice-

presidents; delegate to sub-provincial branch, the president; delegates to conference, Messrs. H. Watkins and E. Simon. Alarm was expressed at the number of the younger scientific authorities who were leaving the Dominion for other countries, and it was decided to bring the matter before the notice of the Department of Agriculture.