THE SLIDING SCALE.

Kumara Times, Issue 1743, 2 May 1882, Page 2

THE SLIDING SCALE.

[tO Triß EDITOR.] Sir, — Borough dissolution has been rather a prominent question of late—the \ v ast benefit to be derived from it is advocated strongly 1 , and the gain to the ratepayer# by merging into that astute body, the County Council of Westland,’ under the paternal guidance of its presiding genius, the present County Chairman. Why, Sir, the “rot” which its advocates are trying to cram down our throats is, to say the least of it, simply ridiculous. No doubt the revenue of the borough wquld be a great help to the county just now>, which will account for the zeal displayed by those who advocate it, but were it handed to them what proportion would be expended here. Would they guarantee to expend upon the' maintenance of orfr streets* and numberless other little' expenses to which we are subject, the amount of the Town Clerk’s salary— questionable, when there is'such a large part nf the country unproductive to them, and not likely to return anything for years to come. No doubt philanthropic prffl ciple-s guide them hr their wish to lay out our money for a supposed general good—he mnsfe be a grand old general that to have such and army—still wc must gently remind him that “ far off fields are always green,” and that we think charity should begin at home. Our principal works are how complete,and the expense of their m'aintenance will only be a nominal charge on the revenues of the borough, so that at no distant day we may belong to the happy fami'y of non-ratepayers, as othetf sources will be sufficient for all requirements, and leave a surplus which will go on increasing every year. Pubs may gi owl and say that they bear a very heavy proportion, but do they think that merging the borough would bo a guarantee against future legislation.Next session some other absurdity may* be added to the existing Act which would equalise the license fees.- At present we are a power in the land, for have we not by its weight assisted the mining interests in our locality and elsewhere. Why, therefore, should we' surrender that power to 1 please the whins or ambition of county legislators. Where would be our presti« e be were we to merge. J might go on enumerating, but it is useless, as the most indifferent burgess mu t see for himself that it is just as well to «xercise the Britons privilege and growl at those at home, as to trust to the tender mercies of the Westland County Council. J I am, ic., Ratepayer. Kumara, May 1, 1882.