THE GLOBE. FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1881. THE DRAINAGE BOARD RATE.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2249, 13 May 1881, Page 1

THE GLOBE. FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1881. THE DRAINAGE BOARD RATE.

As our readers are doubtless aware, there has arisen a little difficulty with regard to the striking of the Drainage Board rate for the ensuing, or rather existing, year. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee, but at the last meeting of the Board the Chairman of that body announced that they were unable to agree upon any definite proposal. It is therefore left to the Board itself to determine the rate. So far as can be gathered, the principal stumbling block is the desire of some members to alter the present method of striking the rate. At present the same amount of rate is paid by the different parts of the district, though differently affected by the drainage works. For instance, Riccarton and Papanui do not receive the same benefit at present from the, scheme now being carried out by the Board, as Christchurch and the adjacent suburbs. Why, then, if this is admitted —and we do not see how it can be controverted—should these parts of the district pay the same proportion of rate as those which are now receiving the benefit of drainage ? It is true that the scheme of Mr. Clark contemplates the ultimate extension of drainage to the parts we have referred to, and it is equally true that, as the work is one for the general good, all parts should pay something. But until the full benefit of the work is received by all, it seems to us only fair that there should be a proportionate rate of payment in accordance with the facility afforded for making use of the drainage works. For this reason we are inclined to think that the proposal made by some of the members is a fair one, and should commend itself to the Board. That proposal, so far as we can gather, is to the effect that there shall bo three classes of districts—city, suburban, and rural. The first class, as receiving the most benefit from completed works, and being, as it were, the first to bo able to avail itself of the system of underground drainage, it is proposed, shall pay the full rate fixed, whether that be lOd. or Is. in the £. The second class, participating in some degree, but not to the extent that the city does, would bo rated at a lower amount; whilst the third, which has to contribute, yet reaps little or no benefit, would be charged at the minimum proportion. This, it will at once be seen, is merely a tentative measure, from the very nature of the proposal. As the works extend, and the suburban and rural districts become embraced in the scheme, so will the necessity for the distinction in rates gradually cease, until all pay alike. But it seems to us scarcely fair to rate the residents in Upper Riccarton, who have no means at present of receiving any benefit for their expen. diture, at the same amount as the holders of property in the city, who are enabled to make use of the drains. It may bo urged against the proposal, that it involves considerable labor in apportioning the respective amounts; but we do not think there is much in this. A basis can easily be arrived at, and this once done, then the several proportions to be paid by the three classes can bo ascertained. We hope, at any rate, in justice to the ratepayers residing in the more distant parts of the district, that the Board will give the subject their earnest consideration, if they do not adopt it. It has the merit on the surface of fairness, and this is a great recommendation.