Reserves costs 'astronomical'

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 244, 31 May 1988, Page 7

Reserves costs 'astronomical'

Attempts to prune parks and reserves costs were unsuccessful. Chairman Garrick Workman said the difference between the figures for Raetihi and Ohakune was "astronomical". Ohakune's budget was $79,284 compared with Raetihi's $12,915 and the rural ward's $15,808. The biggest costs in Ohakune's budget were $32,500 for maintenance wages, $18,500 for plant and $10,500 for. rates. Defending the figures, BRIDGE CLUB Results 25/5/88 lst T. Ennis/L. Burns 73.7%, 2nd B . Palmer/J. Eades 55.0%, 3rd M. Hays/R. Martin 54.3%, 4th L. Brannigan/P. Chrisp 53.7%.

Cr Bruce Thompson said Ohakune had a man fulltime mowing verges. The meeting was then told that mowing was classified as a roading cost in other areas. A provision of $6000 for wages under public conveniences drew further questions. Cr Thompson said it was iiecessary to clean Ohakune's public toilets three times a day during the ski season. "Skiers bladders are chilled, you know," he said. Cr John Compton, well known among councillors as a man who likes to have the last say, asked: "Why not put in a coin operated device?" There was no further discussion . —

workcd as a builder in Taupo before that. The Howards intend to run the lodge all year round and are considering dropping the rates during the summer months to accommodate trampers and other visitors. While the lodge is not yet officially open, they have already received a number of enquiries about accommodation. Pete and Sue Howard are keen to offer visitors to the area quality accommodation at reasonable prices and are sure there is a market for such a service.