NEWCASTLE ROAD DISTRICT, ITS BALANCE SHEET &c.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1853, 22 May 1884, Page 2

NEWCASTLE ROAD DISTRICT, ITS BALANCE SHEET &c.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, — In your issue on Thurslny last, " A Ratepayer" while writing upon the above, and acknowledging he does not take the trouble to attend the advertised meetings of ratepayers, yet ventures on hearsay to make statements wiie of the facts. Your correspondent writes : — " The balance sheet on 31st March last, showed the Board liabilities were £470 in excess of assets." This amount is over £100 too much. Secondly he says, "the annual income i? about £160," the truth is it is fully £200. Again he remarks, "a small number of ratepayers are urging the Board to borrow under, "Road Board's Construction Act." I beg to inform him that " small number " consists of a large majority of the ratepayers who have requisitioned the Board to take advantage of the borrowing act. Most of us are heartily weary of the " do nothing policy" of the last few ywra, and are determined lo show this uhei the requjred poll of the ratepayers is taken. Instead of a loan for much needed works hampering the funds of the Board, in reality it sets free two thirds of its annual income, so that it may be applied to paying off its liabilities, and thus, by the time the, 1885 rates is , collected, wiil enable the Board to have, paid off the whole of its fcbtti with Qjia exception,

Possibly your correspondent while rejoicing in having good roads in his own immediate locality lias scarcely sufficient sympathy with his fellow settlers not so fortunately circumstanced. If "Ratepayer" will examine the balance-sheet or tor himself he will sco that his remarks re " Statute of Limitations "and 14ycarsare uncalled for. — lam, sc.

Another Ratepayer. P.S. — T understand that the loan which has been applied for to the Minister being for District Works will undoubtedly be granttd, subject of course to the poll being favourable, and thus no unnecessary expence will be incurred. — A.R.