The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1885 Borough Rates

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 106, 21 February 1885, Page 2

The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1885 Borough Rates

«. In the Borough Council at its meeting on Thursday night last, the Chairman of the Public Works Committee raised a question which is of very serious import to the ratepayers, and one which will require their grave consideration. At a previous meeting of the Council, the Clerk was asked to state the amount (if any) of the increased total of the Assessment Eoll for 1885. At the last meeting, in reply to Cr Nicholas, it was elicited that tne increase would be very trifling. Now, the question was evidently put with the expectation of a reply to the effect that a considerable increase had been made — equal, or nearly so, to the amount of loan expended up to date of making the valuations on Borough properties. At first glance this may appear a very reasonable expectation, but when the matter is considered further the hardships which would thus be inflicted on the ratepayers is painfully apparent. The rateable value of property in the Borough last year was £8563, and for the current year it is £8573. When we remember that upwards of £2000 has been spent on the improvement of the streets, &c, it might appear safe to assume that the values of the whole of the property in the Borough should increase proportionately. Such has been the case probably in a few instances, but in the last twelve months the imaginary values of vacant town sections have found a proper level, and considerable reductions have been made. That has, however, very little to do with the point at issue. Our contention is, that we have already suflicient to pay in the form of rates, and do not want them increased by sliding scale in proportion to loan expenditure, because by so permitting the ratepayers would not only be paying the special loan rate, but a rate on works executed by the loan. For example, we now pay Is in the £ on £8563, but if loan expenditure were added to this, we would, when the whwle is expended, have to pay on £14,500 in round numbers, which is absurd. We have no desire to see the Public Works Committee hampered for want of funds, but would remind them that what funds and revenue they have at their disposal are clearly defined, and they must manage to work with them prudently and according to law. They must not hope by a "side wind" to raise the rates on the people for un authorised expenditure.