WAITOMO COUNTY COUNCIL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 14, 1 February 1907, Page 3

WAITOMO COUNTY COUNCIL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In a recent issue of the King Country Chronicle I noticed a wail from the Chairman of the Waitomo County Council in regard to its treatment-at the hands of the-Govern-ment, but surelv before we begin to squeak.we might at first try and help ourselves. We cannot do that without money, and we cannot l'aise money if we are only prepared to tax ourselves one half-penny in the pound. Fancy a new county, with a low valuation and almost all constructive work to do, (not merely maintainence) being satisfied to assist themselves by levying a paltry half-penny rateabout sufficient to pay office and clerical assistance. I know of neighbouring counties that are paying nearer a two-penny rate, who have but little new work to do. I hope this lack of inclination to tax ourselves is not due to large holdings, but having decided that we wanted, and needed a local authority, let us pull ourselves together and face the music, and show the Government that we deserve help in the way of grants and loans. Let us prove it by first helping ourselves. —I am, etc., RATEPAYER.