UNIFORM RATING PERIODS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11502, 7 February 1903, Page 8

UNIFORM RATING PERIODS.

TO TUB EDITOR 09- THE PBESS. Sir,—Now that "Greater Christchurch" is practically accomplished, considerable adjustments in accounts must of course follow. If exact uniformity in the amount of rates cannot be obtained throughout, no/w is the time for a most desirable uniformity and simplicity of accounts in one respect, namely, for a uniform rating period for every rate and charge to which the whole or any part of the community ■nill be liable—preferably from Ist January to 31st December in each year. I wish to draw early attention to this subject, as possibly special legislation may bh necessary to arrange matters, but whatever trouble, etc., may be entailed it will be well worth it, as when once arranged it will mean immense economy and simplicity with all municipal accounts. In fact, I think it should be accomplished before any adjustment of accounts between thq present boroughe. It would also remove a great nuisance to solicitors, agents, and all others having constantly to adjust settlements of rates on every change of ownership or tenancyIt was trouble enough in the past, calculating most rates (for odd periods) to end of March, and drainage rates to end of December, but how, what with various loans, etc., all at different dates, one finds as many as four different sets of calculations to be made for each adjustment of rates in some of the boroughs, and possibly mere.' Surely some means can be found to bring all up to, say, end of December, and for all future rates and charges to be worked to same date.—Yours, etc., W. LAKE.