MUNICIPAL MISGOVERNMENT.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 888, 6 August 1910, Page 10

MUNICIPAL MISGOVERNMENT.

Sir,— IJost municipal bodies in this Dominion are characterised by waste and extravagance, and their necessary corollary, high rates. In this respect the Onslow Borough is not behind. I am 'unfortunately, in these days of overtaxation, tlie possessor of three small sections (two of which have cottages on) in this much mismanaged borough. The ■rates paid in 1307 were respectively as follows: —16s. sd„ <£3 17s. 4d., £i Gs. lOd. The rate noticc for thus year is respectively a claim for <£2 Is. 5(1., M 19s. 5(1., .£8 Bs. 5(1. (the latter almost double). I hnvu to wade through mud up to my boot-tops in winter, and clean out my own water-tables if I want to prevent the water running through my garden. For theve rates I get nothing but the use of the road (I go to town by rail) mid of the electric light (which is so dim and- the lights so far apart ns to require me to use a lantern whenever 1 go out at night, which is vory seldom). I got neither drainage nor water:'.sup-' ply, Wtuvt tlus rates .will be la this

borough if the present expenditure is to be progressively maintained, especially when the Hutt Road liability (which uiuy be anything from JEIO.OOO to .£30,000) is on us, J leave your readers to imagine. It will be, as. this Dominion itself is rapidly growing, a very good place to live out of. 1 enclose my card, and am yours, etc., RATEPAYER. 'Ngaio, July 31, 1910.