BOROUGH BORROWING.

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 69, 29 November 1892, Page 2

BOROUGH BORROWING.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR. Sib, — I notice in your local of the 22nd instant, that Mr J£. Goodbehere had been elected unopposed to the position of Major of Feildine. I, for one, join with you in congratulating Mr Goodbehere on the honor conferred on him by (he ratepayers of the metropolis of the Man* Chester Block, and hope that his advent to the mayoral office may proye beneficial to all concerned. While I, however, feel pleased at his electioo, I am, I must confess, somewhat startled at the concluding paragraph of your eulogistic announce" ment of our friend's accession to the office in question— to wit : That we may " expect radical changes during his term of office." You do not indicate the na ture of the great changes contemplated, but should they be accompanied with greater indebtedness, and more expenses made to benefit that small portion of the Borough known as the business part thereof. I, for one, and I believe the feeling is shared by many others, think that it would be well to ci unt the cost before entering on a large expenditure, which necessarily means increased tax. ation to us all. The greater part of the Borough may be properly described as suburban, and although properly owners in those parts of the Borough are com-" pel led to bear a share of the burden, they get but a small proportionate benefit from the expenditure of loans raised on their properties. It may be an exous* able teeling of ambition which prompted the remarks made in your local, hayina 1 reference to great '' radical changes " which seem to foreshadow that some gigantic stride in the inarch of progress is intended. But, sir, I contend that it is neither wise nor just to force development. We have had far too much oi this sort of progress and prosperity, both in this and the neighbouring colonies. The sad condition of "marvelous Melbourne " should teach us a lesson. " Cut your garment according to your cloth" is a saying which is applu cable to borough matters as well as to things of every-day life. Further borrowing means increased rates and rents, but it by no means follows that increased profit or prosperity, will result therefrom. Indeed, it seems to me unwise on the part of business men resident bere to countenance these borough dis« sipations. Does not every spasmodic effort of this kind bring in an influx ol needy traders from used-up places elsewhere, who have gone through a like process of borrowing and bursting, tc share the good things provided tor local tradesmen, but which, alas, are snatched from their grasp by that enterprising class of traders who are always found And, sir, I would respectfully submit thai we should be careful in receiving advic< from those gentlemen who make the round tour of the colonies as sellers foi the great commercial houses. No doubl they are men of vast experience, being thoroughly acquainted with the financial condition of the business men of eyery city, borough, and town throughout Australasia, but they are* not ratepayers 01 property owners in our borough. It is by no means difficult to point out real 01 supposed advantages which would, n< doubt, much improve and benefit oui town, but methinks the unfortunate ratepayer has quite burden enough with' out the imposition of further rates and rents, and my advice is : Be content will our present condition until we are in i position without plunging further int< debt to effect these great radical changes which are at present merely prospective and long may tbey continue in that embryo state harmless to the ratepayers yet a pleasant, and maybe profitable brain-exercise to these persons wh< would, at any cost, yet doubtless witl I the best possible intentions, force as int< an expenditure which the Borough is unable to afford. Hoping that you will oblige bjr inserting these remarks inyoui very useful paper. I am, &c. J.BB.