THE WATER COMPANY’S ASSESSMENT.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2715, 30 October 1871, Page 2

THE WATER COMPANY’S ASSESSMENT.

A deputation of citizens had an interview with the Deputy Superintendent to-day in reference to the above. The Mayor, who introduced the deputation, explained that a meeting of citizens who complained of the high assessment imposed by the Water Company, a deputation was appointed to wait upon the Waterworks directors which had been done. The deputation thought that the Corporation’s assessment should be taken as a basis, and upon that so much should be added as would represent the difference in the modes of rating, which in the case of the Corporation’s assessment was made upon what properties would bo worth on a lease for a term of 21 years. They had suggested to the Waterworks directors that the company should tqkethe Corporation assessment, as it was, op l}x 10 per cent, ip excess, and charge ac-r cordiugly. The directors expressed them, selves to be very willing and desirous of meeting the wishes of the deputation j and suggested that the latter should wait on his Honor to obtain the concurrence of the Government, which was their object. The directors stated that they had no objection in at onoe meeting the wishes of the deputation, if the Government consented. At the interview with the directors a list had been submitted showing fifteen cases taken haphazard, and these showed an average excess of the Corporation assessment by 38 per cent Of course it was not known whether that fairly represented the thing all over the city”, but it might be fairly presumed that it was a fair estimate. As he had before said they bad no objection to being rated 10 per cent, above the Corporation assessment; but anything above that they considered an overcharge. His Honor said, if he recollected aright, the matter came before him last year, wnen the Government were placed at a considerable disadvantage in regard to the works. A deficiency, which was found to be heavy, had to be made good eyepy yesr ; an 4 it iVajj a matter for consideration whether ip the face of that yearly deficiency, they could meet the iews of the deputation. It was not for him to say whether they would or or would not ; but he would certainly bring the matter under their notice. The deputation should not overlook the fact that this deficiency had caused a great deal of consideration and discussion, not only amongst the Government, but aj.m outside • and many country numbers' objected to the revenue going yearly to make up the interest account of the Water Works Company, As they w re also aware, the Government had Puerto impose a r te on the City to make up that deficiency. He merely meutiomd

these facts to show what the possible result might be. The Mayor pointed out that two injustices did not make one just thing ; and remarked that he did not think there would bo any objection to the maximum rate brim* imposed—which the Government would be bound to do to protect tbe revenue—but the argument was unfair. After some further discussion. His ilonor said the deputation would-be informed of the result of their application in a couple of days. The deputation then withdrew.