A NOTABLE LETTER.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 86, 12 April 1911, Page 3

A NOTABLE LETTER.

TII9 following letter, addressed by Mr. A. S. Biss to the chairman of the Citizens' League, was read, at the general meeting of that body at the Town Hali on Monday evening: — The Chairman Citizens' League. — Dear Sir, — I very much regret that I cannot attend the meeting to-night on account of a, prior engagement which I have failed to postpone. I hope that one result of the meeting will be to stir up a little enthusiasm amongst the electors of Wellington to

secure the election of men to the council who will conduct the affairs of the city on strict business lines, and ignore the political, and sentimental side of municipal control. The electors should realise that in the tramways, electric light service-, as large property owners, as investors of sinking funds, and possibly in_ tho future as controllers of the milk' supply, as owners of the abattoir, etc., tho City Council has commercial affairs to manage that in the oidinary courte would require the brain of expert commercial and financial minds. One or two mistakes, a little carelessness, or unnecessary liberality, can convert any of these enterprises into non-paying coneonv. We have to face reduced values ; as hundreds of land owners will find their properties valued at lower figures bjr the Valuation Department, which will mean a decrease in tho aggregate amount received for rates, the latter being based on capital value. Apart from this, owing to the reduced rental values of properties in the residential parts of •Wellington, owners are entitled to look for a reduction in rates in sympathy with reduced incomes. This can only be accomplished by more economical management and a cutting out of all luxuries until values regain their former level. So far I have not detected any intention on the part of the council toreduce expenditure. In all directions we find requests are conceded, instead of a policy of economy being preached. The corporation ownb properties all over Wellington that are being allowed to drift into a state when the incomes are not producing the interest on the cost. More attention should be devoted to these properties, in order that better rentals can be obtained. Re tramways : When I was in the council I always contended that we were steeling very close to the line when profits would vanish and a deficiency would take their place. I always contended that sufficient notice was <iot being taken of the increase that would be necessary each year in expenditure for repairs and maintenance. I unhesitatingly state that if the tramway balancesheet was drawn up on conservative and strict business lines no profit would .have been shown during tit? la.st two years. A lob of service is rendered by officers outside the tramway department which could be fairly charged to the tramway and electric lighting accounts. I fear that these matters will never receive proper attention £o long as the electors are ko easy-going and take, so little interest in the election of their representatives. Good men will not come forward because thair services are not appreciated, and because they feel that a' largb body of the electors are utterly careless as to the proper management of municipal concerns. If this state of affairs could be changed, I believe you will get better men to stand for the -council and a keener interest all round ir> municipal matters. IL should be the ambition of every citizen in Wellingkai to make it the bestgoverned city in the Dominion. To secure this result those best able to govern it must take office in tho council and Harbour Board. At this particular election candidates should go in on the ticket of economy, in spite of the fact that this is an unpopular policy with a large number .of the electors. — I am, etc., -A. S. BISS. 10th April, 1911.