EVERY PENNY IN.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1922, Page 4

EVERY PENNY IN.

NEW PLYMOUTH BOROUGH RATEflfr A SPLENDID RECORD. STABILITY OF THE BOROUGH. The whole of the New Plymouth borough rates, amounting to £34,112 7s 3d for the past year, have been collected. This information was placed before the Borough Council last night in a report presented by the borough manager (Mr. F. T. Bellringer). Mr. Bellringer wrote: “The following report received from the accountant not only shows that members of the staff are earnest and persistent in their endeavors to collect the revenue, but is also a pleasing reflection of the financial stability of the ratepayers and residents of the town. The year ending March 31 last was one of great financial stringency, end the fact that the whole of the rates for that year, amounting to £34,112 7s 3d, have now been collected in full, and that of accounts for the electric lighting, power and goods amounting to £31,200 13s lOd, it has only been necessary to write off £3O 9s 6d, must be considered an excellent advertisement of the general financial soundness and thriftiness of the residents of the borough. The statement. showing that, of the electric light department revenue for the past five years amounting £113,858 12s 9d, it has only beeh necessary to write off £95 5s 4d, or Is 8d in each £lOO, also makes very pleasant reading. The accountant and his staff certainly deserve the commendation of the council for their very satisfactory efforts.” The accountant’s report to the general manager stated: “I have pleasure in reporting to you that the rates for the year ending March 31 last have Desn collected in full. Owing to the unpromising financial outlook I consider that it is creditable to collect £34,112 7s 3d for the year’s rates. This is more pleasing when we bear in mind that during the last four years every penny of our rates has been collected. Credit is- due to the rate clerk and the members of the clerical staff generally for this result, who have worked hard to get the rates in. I have. 3 J tached a statement showing the income received from the sale of electrical goods and from the consumption of light and power of the electric lighting department for the five years ending March 31, 1922. This affords a useful comparison of the growth of the department during this period. The writings off over the whole period, based on the turnover, has only equalled l-12t'h of- one per cent.ior, in other words. Is 8d for every £lOO of income. The writings off, too, were not all bad debts, but included a certain amount of over charges and disputed accounts.” The attached statement showing the income received from consumption of electric light and power and from the sale of electric goods for the five years ending March 31, 1922, reads as follows: 1918—Light and power, £12,759 Ils;' goods, £lB9l 5s sd; total, £14,650 16s sd.

1919 — Light and power, £15,298 3a lid; goods, £2342 19s 2d; total, £17,641 3s Id: writings off. £3 5s 4d. 1920 Eight and power, £18,104 19s Id; goods, £5115 7s 4d; total, £23,220 6s sd; writings off, £24 Os 9d.

1921—Light and power. £21,583 5s 9d; goods, £5562 7s 3d; total, £27,145 13r: writings off, £37 9s 9d.

1922—Light and power, £23.470 7s 4d; 1 goods, £7730 6s 6d: total, £31,200 13s lOd; writings off, £3O 9s Bd.

Totals—Light and power. £91.216 7s Id; goods. £22,642 5s 8d; grand total. £113,858 12s 9d; writings off, £95 5s 4d.