IMPROVING ROADS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 984, 29 May 1930, Page 8

IMPROVING ROADS

MANUKAU COUNTY’S WORK SATISFACTORY FINANCES Satisfaction with the result of the work of the year was expressed by Mr. F. M. Waters;, chairman of the Manukau County Council, at the annual meeting yesterday. The steady improvement in the county roads was being generally noted, said Mr. Waters in his annual ] report. The gradual transference of the main roads from the macadamised to the permanent type of road surface was evidenced by the decision of the Pakuranga Riding ratepayers to lay and pave with concrete the main highway from Panmure Bridge to Howick. Work on that highway had been commenced and, with reasonable weather conditions, should be completed in about six months’ time. The policy of metalling the roads on and about tho Takanini-Clevedon route had been pushed on with expedition during the summer and autumn months, and very good progress had been made. This work, when completed, will have been financed out of riding funds and Government grants without any loan burden other than the original Taka-nini-Clevedon road loan of £SOO. TWO PROPOSALS At the present time the council had two relatively large proposals in hand or under consideration, the Mangere waterworks scheme and the proposed new Maungaroa Gorge Road. The former work had reached the stage when it could be submitted to the ratepayers concerned as soon as the Local Government Loans Board fixed the terms for the loan. This proposal should merit the support of the ratepayers, not only because it would ultimately become self-supporting and obviate the necessity of collecting a special rate, but would make the district independent of outside areas for the source of supply. The finances were in a very satisfactory state. Every riding termin - ated the financial year with a credit balance, and the Mangere Riding members had to be congratulated on the very satisfactory recovery in the financial position of their riding. The total credit balances in tho riding accounts at March 31. 1930, amounted to £2,716 15s, as against a debit balance of £BO9 12s 9d in the preceding year. The interest accounts were also in a very sound position through the policy recommended by the county clerk of building the accounts up to provide that, at the termination of the financial year, sufficient money should be in hand to meet the next half-yearly instalments on interest and sinking fund. This had meant a great reduction in the yearly bank overdraft, with a consequent reduction in bank interest. Rates collected to March 31 last amounted to £34,614, the amount struck being £37,455. Arrears at March 31, 1929, were £5,108, and at March 31. 1930. £4,463. The percentage on the amuont collected was 92i and on arrears 69. The total receipts for the year amounted to £66,761, and the expenditure to £63,700. The proposal to purchase the Whitford public hall from a private company would be submitted to the ratepayers concerned at an early date. A water supply scheme for that portion of the Papatoetoe Riding which may be designated the residential area, would shortly be required, and steps would be taken at an early date to bring forward proposals.