Rise In Rates For Otaki River Work

Chronicle (Levin), 8 April 1949, Page 2

Rise In Rates For Otaki River Work

J. C.

MEYER,

(To the Editor) Sir,— I called at the Otaki Borough Council office to inquire about the proposed rate . to be levied for the work done at the Otaki River and was surprised to find that my rates would be up about 30 per cent. In all fairness I thiiik the lands near the river which- receive practically all the benefit^, should foot the bill for the improvements. It behoves every ratepayer to act at once, as delay is dangerous and costly. We elected councillors toi watch our interests, but they arel too busy playing in the sand at Tasman Beach and cannot fin'd time to attend to the urgent street work at the railway area, which as far as streets go is a disgrace to any council. This new tax will be put on, too, if we do not take action and will be a permanent addiuon to our rates. It is also' hinted that the new valuation will increase our rates by nearly. 20 per cent. If we do not act quickly and protest then we must expect a 30 per cent. increase. Do not depend on the council watching our interests, because they woul'd have let the river board rate us for work done in the river about 12 years ago and this would have been still payable but for my efforts, which won the.day for the ratepayers and stopped the game of grab. Act quickly and protest, as it is not right for us to pay. Our representatives are not giving us the attention which it is their duty to do, and our rates are not spent iudiciously. Yours, etc.,

Otaki, Aprll 6.