What Our Readers Are Thinking

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 92, 27 May 1949, Page 4

What Our Readers Are Thinking

EDGECUMBE BRICK AREA

Sir, —Some months ago,, through your columns I protested against the County Council’s treatment of my application for a relaxation of the by-law relating to the brick area, Edgecumbe, and later appealed to them against their decision, but after many months hold up, was finally compelled to abide by their original decision, the only reason I received for this was a statement by one of the members of their Works Committee before which I appeared, to the effect that the Council at that time felt they had to take a stand on the brick area question, and that if they relaxed the by-law for me they would have to consider relaxations for others, and this they were not prepared to do.

Now Sir, since I built in concrete, according to the Council’s direction, there has been erected in the brick area and by leave of the Council, a building of corrugated iron and wood many times larger than the small addition I built in concrete.

In consequence of this I felt impelled to make a strong protest to the Council and in view of the concern shown bjr other ratepayers in Edgecumbe and for the enlightenment of others who might be concerned in the future, I placed before the Council a number of questions, each of which should have merited an official answer, not only for my benefit, but in the public interest.

The questions w r ere as follows:

(1) Did the owner of the (new premises apply for a relaxation of the relevant by-law in the prescribed manner, and if so when was his' application advertised and lodged?

(2) Did the Council direct that the new structure was to be built from the materials of the building previously standing on Council land, and if so, was permission given to use additional materials to allow for a larger building?

(3) Had the Council arrived at a decision, regarding the new building, prior to my application for an addition in other than concrete or brick, and anly a fraction ‘ of the size of other building? (4) How many brick or concrete structures have been built in the brick area Edgecumbe since the enactment .of the by-law some years ago? (5) Why was the owner of the other building granted permission to build in materials other than brick or concrete? (6) What was the Council’s reason for declining my application for a relaxation of the by-law? I finally asked if the Council could advise me as to whether my protest and series of questions was tabled at a full Council meeting or merely at the meeting of the Works Committee.

In reply I received a curt note from the County Clerk, advising me that my letter had been “received”, which in view of all the circumstances, did nothing to enhance my previous opinion of the Council’s seemingly unfair attitude and apparent discrimination. A few days ago in conversation with a leading councillor,. I was told that the Council did not wish to enter into any controversy and that if I really wanted a reply, that I should call on the County Clerk, who would no doubt be able to answer the questions, I do not intend to remark further on this, but trust that my feelings will be well understood. ,

Now Sir, I wish to state that I do not bear any ill will towards another, who received, in my opinion, preferential treatment, but feel that by the dictates of common sense, each case should have been dealt with in the same manner, my friend only received a dispensation which I also asked for, and for that reason, I stress there is no personal animosity on my part. In conclusion Sir, as I understand the Council do not enter into any discussion through the Press, and as there will no doubt be many who, not in possession of the full facts, may disagree with my attitude. I wish to state that I will acquaint anyone interested with the full text of my protest, and am prepared to debate the matter publicly with any members of the Council, not merely for my own gratification, but in the interests of Edgecumbe itself, the progress of which is to a large degree in the hands of the County Council at the present time. Thanking you Sir, I am Yours etc., S. M. HAWKINS.

UNSOUND ECONOMY

Sir, —At no time in the history of our country has it been more clearly apparent that our economy is being built on very unsound foundations.

Not only are the foundations unsound, but they are being further undermined by the latest moves

that are increasing our internal costs. Import restrictions are with us. They should be recognised as a necessary evil. Under existing conditions, it looks as if these restrictions may get worse! Who is going to suffer? All of us. First of all the business man. He will not be able to import the goods. The people will not be able to buy, in order to keep the wheels of trade turning. Prices (i.e. costs) will rise. They certainly will not drop. The black market will flourish. • \ The wage earner will not got hurt for some time. Or, rather, he will not realise that he is fast approach-' ing the brink of the cliff because his wages will be maintained or raised as required out of our reserve funds, the meat and dairy pool accounts. This has already been done, at a time of some of the highest prices this country has ever received.

The primary industries have for a long time been receiving less than overseas prices (that is, individuals have got less paid out, the rest being retained in pool accounts). In seme instances the primary industries have also directly subsidised local industries in order to keep living costs down. Some of our local industries have lost their overseas markets because of high , internal costs. The pool accounts were supposed to be used in bad times, not good. All this does not sound too good. It isn’t! But it is all too true. It is happening now to us. We may have time to stop the rot. How? By asking Britain for higher prices? I do not think so. There are signs that cancel that solution out. In any case that would solve nothing; it would only put off the evil day. Our troubles are here and can only be solved by us. What is. the solution? The only way out is more production both primary and industrial. Easy to say but how to do it?

I suggest the following: 1. A really vigorous breaking in of land. Not state farming. We have thousands of acres. We have the men—6ooo returned, Britain has offered help and houses. 2. A relieving from taxation on any extra income or wages made over and above the present level which is enough to meet the present taxation needs of the country. Leave the rest alone thus giving all sections an incentive to do more. With more production we should be able to reduce taxation.

3. More profit sharing schemes, more primary producer control of his own business, thereby putting more money into his hands and through him into the hands of the 1 small townsman and tradesman ,and so through to the top by-passing no one.

It’s just an idea. Yours etc.,

R. W. DUNNING.