BOROUGH RATING.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 509, 16 October 1912, Page 5

BOROUGH RATING.

The Editor. gj r> —The best thanks of the borough should be extended to ex-Coun-cillor Young as convenor of the public ißeeting held last evening to consider the question of best and fairest system for rating purposes and the fact that such a large number of townspeople attended is an indication of the interest being taken in matters municipal, and if such interest is only maintained more satisfactory results must follow the expenditure of public money, and the more careful and prudent management of municipal business. The general tenor of the discussion on the proposed system of rating on unmproved value at that meeting certainly augurs well for the success oE the idea and its acceptance by the people as the system under which the great rank and file of householders consider the moat just and equitable system of taxaton.- The other side of the question, as explained by one of our leading townsmen, unfortunately did not carry the weight that usually accompanies the opinions expressed by this party owing, no doubt, to the waaknesa of the case he was handling. That ♦le meeting has at least attained some good result is certainly proved by the attitude of the chairman, .who, in his opening remarks, practi- * cally disapproved of the system of rating on unimproved value and to the satisfaction of the general body of the audience very tactfully and gracefully applauded the wisdom of unimproved value rating before the meeting closed. At the ratepayers meeting to be held on the 24th inst. it is to be hoped a bumper house will attend and give expression to their views as to the best steps to take to secure beneficial results from the taxes they now pay, and will have to ) nay, in the near future, and the pleasure may again be the general public's to convert at least some of our public men to the opinions generally held that a "mark-time" policy must be inaugurated unless strong guarantees are offered that public money and confidence are not to be wasted or abused. —I am, etc.,