Government Grants for Public Works.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 156, 23 January 1902, Page 3

Government Grants for Public Works.

■ 'u- ■■■■■— Some time ago word was received by all the local bodies in the colony that Government Grants for public works unexpended on that date would lapse. The Nelson County Council waited on the Hon. T. Y. Duncan the other day with reference to this matter. Mr Duncan said that this action had been taken on the representations of the Crcwn law officers, but the local bodies affected would not be prejudiced, as fresh agruetnents would be issued. It was part of the attempt tokoop clo3er acoount of the various grants, it being found when the estimates came to be framed that

many votes were uuexpended, and the liabilities were, under this head, very great, there were cases of votes being carried on for five years, and not expended. Councillors said that the delay in the issue of authorities had a great deal to do with the non-expenditure of grants, and that if the money could be got hold of it would be spent. Mr Duncan said that he quite behoved the latter statement, and if he could get more money from the Treasurer the local bodies would have it, but if the greater part of the work under giants was dona within a limited time, say ths early summer, diere would probably not be the money in the Treasury to meet the demands. It was necessary that expenditure should be spread over a period. He would endeavour to havo ihe authorities issued as early as possible. In fact, he would wire to the Treasury that night. They must understand that none of the works were stopped, but the real meaning was that £38,000 per month was being spent, and if tlioy had kept up it would mean that last year's votes would bo exceeded by £200,000, therefore the expenditure had to be kept within proper limits.—Colonist.