GEORGE CITIZEN
No. 14.
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
THURSDAY, APRIL 4. 1929.
Five Cents-
to Cut Five ills Off 1929 Tax Rate
Patterson Explains To Mem-Finance Committee How rf Can Be Effected
iVith Maturing of Outstanding Debentures There Should Be Annual Cuts In Mill Rate
Mnvor Patterson presented a sug-
'Son to the members of the finance K nittee on Monday evening which ffifflt in the cutting of five mills ! the tax rate for the current year. ?? he course of his remarks the mavor disclosed an intimate know-Se with municipal finance and Sriy found a weak spot in the bud-alt as made out by City Clerk Clerlhue. r in presenting his statement Mayor Patterson said he probably owed an oology to the members of the com-nu-ee for not_advising them of his contentions with respect to the mill rate but when the last meeting had been held he was not in possession of fhe budeet statement which had been Soared as he had loaned his copy o one of the aldermen. For this reason it escaped his notice that during the year 1928 a surplus payment of S4780 had been paid into the sinking "fund account. This while very desirable in its way was not in accord with the intention or instruction of the council The council had decided that only the required percentage of tax collections should be paid into the sinking funds, and should a surplus be found to exist at the end of the year the decision would be made bv the council as to the proportion of the surplus which should go to the sinking fund account.
Mayor Patterson said he had always been a great stickler in the matter of bringing the sinking funds of the.city up to their full requirements as when he had first became chairman of the finance committee he found the sink-ing funds were between $25,000 and $29,000 short of their requirement. As a result the sinking fund had been brought up until at the present time they were but $4000 short, and to his mind there no longer remained the same urgency to make special provision for them by a high debenture service rate. A deficit of $4000 was not a very formidable thing in a sinking fund account of $188,000 but he was very pleased to say even this deficit would be wiped out within the next four years with the profits which will accrue to the city with the maturing of the C. N R. bonds. Next year $12,-1G6.66 of these bonds will mature. These bonds were purchased by the city at 92.47 and the difference between the purchase price and" par became $916.15 which would go to the credit of the sinking fund. In 1934 other C.N.R. bonds amounting to $18,-493.34. which the city purchased at 70.07 will mature and the difference between the purchase price and par will amount to $3760.19 and will also co to the credit of the sinking fund. Together these two items amounted �o S-tf7fi.:u and the whole amount will bo available by 1934 and will more than take care of the present short-afro in the sinking funcr of $4112, so that to his mind there remained no necessity for making- more than the required annual provision to the'sink-in? fund account.
There were two changes which Mayor Patterson suggested could be made in the budget prepared by the city clerk, in the case of the suggested millrate for debenture service he proposed that it be reduced by 4.44 mills, end in the case of the rate of .56 mills for general purposes he suggested that it be omitted altoether. On the total assessment each mill reoresented
slihtly
d tet
sessment each mill represented slihtly more than $1000 and the rennet ion in the rate to 55 mills would mean a reduction in the revenues of approximately $5000. The general rate of .56 is estimated o produ $$5 f thi
The general rate of .56 is estimated to produce $$571.79, but $500 of this amount could be found in suspending 'or a year the payment of the $500 it w d k th
t could be found in suspending year the payment of the $500 >,� - '.' was Proposed to make to the P�7incial government on account of t�i, , � loss which had been sus-jflned by the city in its administra-f" of the better housing loans, and fnLr^nminst $71.90 could be taken Th^ f � public works appropriations. � -mm? . sourfies would provide the �mount to be raised under the sug-\pj general mill rate HmP,5"ttln* of the debenture rate ri'vpni, . t0 3036 would reduce the a,nn� 1 \by an�tber $4500, but this era')! Would be lloted was consid-M7&14V i?han the extra Provision of sirikimr fW h had been made to the fchinh u-U ii of tne citv were now ln Sacj'e dT �" not be re!"U15 the current year. The t vn'rv !nds of the city were not in
timatM h actbry state- He had in~ bP mnrP ?-r lhe Present deficit would of thp'e Xran w1Ped out by the sale ^ 3034 r,,,t \^" bonds before the close ^ntatre � is v">as n9fc the Only ad-'ur-- , '\ a large part of the sinking Pritice rl been Invested in City of interest rTta b<3nds whlch carried an e of six per cent whereas
the sinking fund requirements were figured on an interest rate of 2M-, 3 and 4 per cent
There was a great; deal which might be said upon the manner in which the mill rate is arrived at. The rate with the-expectation that a collection of 67 per cent will provide the required funds and the unpaid poition accumulates as tax arrears. In other words 67 per :ent of the mill rate covers the full requirements for sinking funds.
While on the tax-collection percen-.age Mayor Patterson said that while i7 'represented the percentage collec-ion last year, and the highest in the ristory of the city he did not think it gave the city full credit as it only applied to the collection of current taxes. In addition to this the city had been receiving about $17,000 under the heading of tax-arrears collections. There was really very little difference as what are arrears this year would have been taxes in the previous year. As a matter of fact the collection of taxes last year was nearer 85 than 67 per cent, and it was unfortunate that it was not possible to show the higher amount.
Reverting back to the repayment of the losses on the better housing administration Mayor Paterson said the total loss to the city would be approximately $2000, incurred chiefly in connection with two of the loans. It is unlikely that there will be further losses as the equity of the borrowers lias been mounting steadily. In addition to this the city was allowed a commission of one-half of one per cent for administration which would cut down lhe loss. Whatever the loss might be found to be the city will have to make provision for payment but there was no urgency in connection with the suggested payment of the $500 this year which could be weighed against the advantage of a reduction in the rate by five mills.
The high rate of taxation, with a peak of sixty mills, had been forced upon the city, and was possibly one of the highest in the province. The city had been faced with another difficulty in high assessment valuation which it might be very difficult to maintain on an appeal from the municipal court of revision The aim of the council had been to reduce the assessment. Wiihin a period of five years there have been three reductions of 10 per rent each in the assessment valua-i ions but this had forced up the rate. When the three successive, reductions in assessment values were taken into account the 60-mill rate did not seem so formidable, but to the non-resident property owner ic remained a stiff tax end one which would frighten off intending investors and should be re-ouced as quickly as possible This was o*3 of the things expected of members of the council if they were to retain the confidence of the rate-pavers. To his mind the city had reached th^ furninc: point. He thought a rale of 55 mills will be ample for the requirements this year, that it might be cut to 50 mills in 1930, and be made subject to a very substantial cut in 1931 as there will come the retirement of $!5.000 in bonds during the latter part of the current year, and a further retirement of $135,000 in 1930. With th� lowering of the mill-rate it could bo confidently predicted that the percentage of collvvicns will ?o up and thus make possible a further reduction in the mill-rate.
There was general agreement on the part of members of the finance committee with the suggestion of the mayor. Alderman Opie questioned any policy which would make the aldermen ucrsGnallVnable in the event of failure to provide the legal requirement !n-the sfnking funds, but was assured bv the mavor that it would be possible under the reduced mill rate suggested to make the required provision.
Mayor Patterson said he had gone into the matter thoroughly with the members of the committee and of the council in the hope that if his recommendations were approved the rate bvlaw before the council could be amended and given its third reading at the meetine of the council to follow the committea meetine:.
Alderman Reid. Alderman Fraser nnd Alderman Wieland each expressed ^heir agreement. ' and on motion of Alderman Opie, seconded bv Alderman Wieland the recommendation calling for the reduction of the rate to 55 mills was adopted.
At the council meeting later the rate bvlaw fixing the tax rnte at 55 mills vnS fHven its third readintr on motion of Alderman Griffith, seconded by Alderman Wieland.
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Athletics Are In Capable Hands For The Year
Effort Will Be Made To Revivo Ifl-
. terest of City Residents in Sports
of all Kinds
Merger Is Sought With Old Organization Which Directed Sporting Activities Years Ago
EI. ARRIVES IN VAVCOTTVER, ONT HIS WAY TO EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL
Vancouver. April 4:=^Goverpor-Gpn-rrc] Willinpr'on pnd Lady WUlinerton "i-rived in the cit.v last nlsrhK The "nvernor-General will leave tonight for �^i-toria where he will attend the on-~,.!Vt session of the National Council of Education. * -
A meeting of the residents of Prince George, interested in the advancement of athletic sports of all kinds, was held in the city hall on Tuesday at which steps were taken to revive the flagging interest which has been extended to amateur sport during the past three or four years. M. S. Mor-rell was in the ch�air. The first business of the evening was the organization of the Junior Athletic Association for the ensuing year. This resulted in M. S. Morrell being chosen as president with Dr. P. D. Carr as vice-president. Arnold Armour was elected secretary-treasurer, and W. L. Hornsby and A. D. Noble will comprise the executive. The following sport committes were struck:
Hockey�A. J. Rogers. P. D. Carr, Alex Wimbles and P. A. Matheson.
Football�Frank Clark. LeRoy Stibbs ond Alfred HolmwrtC'.
Baseball�A. B. raft, J. D. McLeod and Jrving Wilson.
Basketball� J. Chapman. H. McC. Allen and A. Blackburn.
It was decided, after a general discussion on sport conditions presented in the city during the past three or four years, to endeavor to get all the oranization ^ in the city interested in amateur sports, with a view to restoring the interest which never faiJs to bring out a lot of enthusiast's when any sporting contest is presented. It is especially desired to bring about i i:-sion of the olrl athletic association with the present organization, :tnd to enlist the synpajhV of the mayor fini members of the city council in the movement. To mis end it was deriled to cjiIJ another meeting in the city hall at 8 o'clock on Tuesday evening to �rhirh every vesldont. even remotely interested in rprsvts is invited to attend, i ,
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Premier Tolmie To Have Survey Going in May
All Routes Xorth of Prince George
Will Be Examined For Peace
River Extension
City Considers Supplying of Power to C. N. R
Arrangement Would Provide Desired Day Load in Operation of Continuous Power Service
Peak-Load Difficulty Will Have To Be
Overcome Before The Business
Can Be Undertaken
Hint Changes May Be Suggested Tn
Present Line Between Prince
George and Quesnel
Victoria, March 30.�With reports current that two United States syndicates are proceeding with independent surveys of the P. G. E. railway and the traffic possibilities of the country to be served by it. Premier Tolmie announced today that the joint survey to be undertaken by the government and the C. P. R. and C. N. R. managements will be got ur.iler way by the first of next monch. and it is hcprrl to have the work completed by the end of the year.
The premier said fhe survey would be completely in charge of the Provincial Government.
"The field parties which we are preparing now to send out will be government parties under government control. We have been in touch with the two transcontinental railway companies, which are joining with us in this survey, and they will attach to our parties such expert representatives as they consider necessary. While the surveys will be under government direction, we shall co-operate thoroughly with the two big railways in securing the information which they consider necessary in determining the facts about the whole P. G. B. system."
The first phase of the survey will cover an examination of the sixteen million acres of lands which were set aside to assist the extension of the P. G. E. into fhe Peace River from Prince George with a view to establishing their prospective value.
The second phase covering the route from Quesnel north to Prince George is largely an engineering question, and it is learned that the government is er.deavorig to secure the services of J. Calloghan deputy minister of rail-ways and telephones of Alberta, who was connected with the P.G.E. project when it was started, and who is re>-Tnrded as "specially qualified for this work.
It is suggested the survey will reveal the need of drastic changes in the route of the Ouesnel-Prince Georere line, as "Bricinally mapoed out. It is nv\tc possible, in fact, that the engin-�ers may recommend a large diversion of the existini? line south of Quesnel. 'o avo'rt mud slide? there in which (Continued on Page Five)
The proposal which came from the fire committee of the Canadian National Railway that a connection be made with the city water mains to ensure a mutual constant supply in the event of a break in either the railway or municipal systems, has taken a new turn. It now develops that the railway company is not desirous of having the connection made unless the city is in a position to undertake supplying the company with energy for lighting and power purposes.
The new proposal opens a big question and one which the members of the city council will give serious consideration io as an arrangement of this kind would be of great assistance to the ^city if the present peak-load difficulty can be overcome. The peak load is only reached tor two or three hours during the entire year but it is a condition which the euiiiueers insist must be reckoned with. There is still a margin for powc-i; development in the city plant over the peak load of last winter and when Consulting Engineer Gordon arrives in the city the suggested supplying of power to the C. N. R. will be gone into with a view to determining whether the city would be justified in undertaking to supply the power needed for a period of one year with the present engine power. If this can be done it is thought the new business would warrant the city in making a bond issue next year to increase its engine power. The necessity for this increase cannot be delayed for any great length of time and it is thought to be good management to acquire new business while it is offering. Mayor Patterson intimated there was no immediate hurry in replying to the C. N. R. until the situation could be thoroughly canvassed when the council has the advantage of the advice of Mi1. Gordon.
Alderman Opie while favoring increased business for the city plant said the council should go slow. There are two sawmills building which would add fifty or sixty householders to the city which in itself would increase the demand upon the limited capacity of the city plant. It was decided to lay the .�natter over for future consideration.
The question of procedure in the entering of appeals from decisions in the police court came up again when Mayor Patterson said he had interviewed Sergeant Walker and found him quite willing to secure the written opinion of CityProsecutor Wilson before entering appeals. In this con-
nection the mayor produced a letter he had received from Mr. Wilson in which the writer took exception to the manner In which the council had dealt with his action in connection with appeals. He expressed the opinion the members of the council had maligned him with the suggestion that prospective fees for court appearances influenced his decision in the entering of appeals. He assumed full responsibility for entering the appeal in one of the cases under consideration by the council, and intimated he was of the same opinion despite the decision of the higher court.
The letter of Mr. Wilson drew the ire of Alderman Opie. but the members of the council considered their obect had been secured in the fixing* of responsiility for theentering of appeals in the future. o
Mayor Patterson informed the council he had received a letter from A. L. Gray, who had made the examination of radio reception conditions in the city a few weeks ago. Mr. Gray had referred to trouble-making conditions found in the city power station, and sn.id he had found similar conditions in other power stations. The things complained of had been remedied by Chief Engineer Sutherland and the mayor understood from the radio users no further complaint attached to the city power station.
The request of J. C. Pldgeon for a sidewalk crossing in front of his business premises was assented to upon the usual terms.
The council assented to the transfer of the interest of Howard F. Gross in the purchase agreement in connection with lot 9 in block 130 to Messrs. Guest & Watson. The new owners pay taxes and interest charges under the agreement to the amount of $282.61 and assume the other payments.
The application of the Shell Oil company for connection for lighting and power services for the supply station it will build in the vicinity of the Home Oil and Imperial stations was favorably considered. The new company will be required to bear one-half the cost of the extension required to service the Home Oil company.
The application of H. A. Houghtal-ing for permission to have a gasoline feed pipe on the street leading from a tank to be placed on his private property was agreed to. This does not involve the placing of a tank on the street, a proceeding which is objected to by the fire marshal], and it was decided by the council to put ;hrough a bylaw prohibiting the bulid-ng of any gasoline tanks on the street allowances. This was given its first and second readings.
The finance committee recommend-d the payment of accounts amounting to $5269.39.
Easter Dance of
Huge Success
Pupils From LocaJ Dancing Schools
Entertained Company With An
Attractive Programme
Ritls-Kifer Hall Was Taxed To Capacity For First Big Dance Following Lent
The members of Northern Rebekah Lodge No. 34, entertained a large company at their annual Easter dance and supper on Monday evening. The hall was resplendent, following a thorough cleaning and a scheme of decoration which effectively covered up the forbidding structural features. The music was good and the supper of the best. These were features which held the company together until a late hour in the morning.
The added feature for the evening's entertainment! was an exhibition of dancing by the pupils from the dancing schools conducted by Miss Inga Andersen and Miss Nan Craig. The little people seemed to enjoy presenting their part of the programme and evidently proved good drawing cards in bringing out parents who had not attended a dance for a year or more.
The pupils of the Andersen school made their first appearance in a character group of Dutch boys and girls in "The Land of the Windmill." They wore faithfully costumed and presented a oretty picture. The performers were Elizabeth and Adelaide Robertson, Audfey Edwards and Rachel Stone-house." Marv Ellen Smith and -Ida Eri-val. Pat Huble and Marion Wimbles. Vr>ra Geemaert and Jeanne Wimbles. Gertrude Pitman and Betty Milbum. In the second sketch seven little tots presented a kindergarten scene in which thev rocked the daylights out of their dolls while they intently scanned the audience to locate their par-
n Creamery
Burns Company Will Operate At Fixed
Profit of One Cent Per Pound
On Production
Profit Over This Will Be Turned Back
To Milk Producers As Part of
Purchase Price
A. J. Anderson, of Edmonton, arrived in the city Monday evening, on his way to Vanderhoof, where he will take over the Vanderhoof creamery for the P. Burns Company, under an agreement with the provincial government. Mr. Anderson has been connected with the Burns company for the past eight years and is familiar with the company's creamery business on the prairies, where upwards of forty (Continued on Page 5)
ents. These performers were Shirley Guest, Evelyn Watt, Lorna Quinn, Pamela Hartley, Isabel Ogg. Jessie Bond and Hazel Goodwin. The third sketch was "The Miller's Daughter" in which all the pupils appeared with Edna Ireland, a very clever little dancer in the title role.
~Miss Craig, in the contribution of her pupils to the programme, put on the pony trot, an artistic and spectacular-number rather well known on the outside but new to Prince George. The ponies were Maude Ren wick and Eleanor Bain, who apeared in white ballet skirts with white plumes fastened to their heads. They were driven by Miss Craig who appeared in correct horse show attire from riding boots to beaver hat, and whip which kept her busy getting a crack out of it. The sketch was well presented.
Little Nona Hodgson appeared in a dance number, and also gave a very finished exhibition of tumbling-. She later danced with her mother Mrs. H. H. Hodgson, who made a great hit with her presentation of the Shiek dance.
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