DEFAULTING RATEPAYERS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5010, 6 August 1926, Page 2

DEFAULTING RATEPAYERS

ACTION BY OHINEMURI COUNTY. A PLEA FOR PROMPT PAYMENT. Following on the dis'.cussion on the striking of rates in the various ridings of the Ohinemuri County the chaiilm-an (Cr. H. M. Corbett) delivered some straight talk after the resolution had been carried at yesterday’s meeting of the council. The chairman said that the council had considered the postiion of the ’county’s finances very carefully, and in striking the rates it had been, the aim to keep them down to the minimum consistent with the work in hand. In view of the commitments, for tlie ensuing twelve months it would be necessary tb practice most economy in all departments. Money would have to be found for the proposed internal drainage scheme at Komata, and also for the ■erection of the Criterion Bridge at Paeroa. A satisfactory position would obtain if the rd,tes were paid promptly. He desired to make a special appeal to all ratepayers to assist' the council by the prompt payment of rates. If such help was forthcoming the council would be able to maintain all county roads in a reajsionable state d£ repair, and heavy interest charges would be avoided. Referring to the large amount involved in the outstanding rates the chairman said that he wished it to be clearly understood that the council intended to leave no stone unturned to collect its rates. He hoped sincerely that the council would be saved the unpleasantness of having to take drastic aption against defaulting ratepayers., but the money was ■required, and it was reasonable to expect the help and co-operation of all ratepayers! in finding it.