BOROUGH ABATTOIR FEES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3327, 20 September 1911, Page 5

BOROUGH ABATTOIR FEES.

THE SUGGESTED INCREASE. G 0 VERNMENT VETERINARIAN ASKiS THE REASON. The question of the fees payable at the local abattoirs is one that has at one time or another caused a considerable amount of discussion. The most recent proposal of the Council, to raise the fees called forth a telegram from the Chief Government Veterinarian, Mr C. J. Reakes, which was read at last night’s meeting of that body. Mr Reakes wished to be informed of the Council’s reason for wishing to raise the charges. Cr. Collins moved that a letter be written to the Minister of Agriculture explaining that the rise in charges had been made by the Council to permit of carrying on the ordinary maintenance and to provide necessary improvements. The present charges did not supply sufficient revenue to carry on the changes which were necessary at the abattoirs. Up to the present time the entire revenue from the Abattoirs had gone into the general account of the Council. . . ... n Cr. Bright said he noticed from the Council’s la6t balance-sheet that the abattoirs showed a surplus of £l7O. This did not appear as if it was necessary to raise the fees. The Mayor explained that painting and other improvements were necessary at the abattoirs. Or. Brown seconded Or. Collins’ motion, remarking that it was necessary to have the buildings repainted, water laid on, and a new boiler supplied, and there were no funds with which to carry out these necessary works. a-. Collins said the Council had already decided to increase the fees, but no explanation had as yet been supplied to the Department. The manager of the abattoirs had time and again recommended improvements, but not one of these had been carried out by the Council on account of lack of funds. The water supply at the abattoirs was most unsatisfactory; the buildings urgently required repainting; the boiler had been condemned; and yet none of these works could ho undertaken while the charges remained as at present. The motion was carried.