Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1880. THE SHILLING RATE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 62, 30 March 1880, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1880. THE SHILLING RATE.

The recent disastrous flood furnishes a powerful argument against the shilling rate. In addition to the hard tinges "which have been experienced during the last twelve months, the district is now suffering from the effects of a calamity which has placed many settlers on their beam ends, and from the effects of which many will not recover for years. Under these circumstances, it would be breaking the bruised reed for the local bodies to levy the maximum rate this year. The Otaki Highways Board -have sot a good example, by passing a resolution in favour of a sixpenny rate, and we trust the other bodies will do the same. The people of Otaki have, as wo expected they would, spoken out very strongly against the proposed Comity rate of one shilling, and the action of their representative in connection therewith. The resolution passed at their meeting last Tuesday, and published in our Friday's issue, was a strong and yet temperately-worded protest against Mr Kebbell's action. We are not aware what course that gentleman intends to pursue, but we would suggest only two courses are open to him : Either he should vote for the shilling rate or resign. He has discovered that on a matter of deep importance to lits his views are different to theirs. They have pressed this aspect of the question upon his notice, and either he must vote in direct opposition to what they declare to be their interests, or else vote on the opposite side to what he did at last meeting. We do no| argue in favour of Councillors being reduced to mere delegates, buo think that where a gentleman takes up an attitude which a majority of his constituents consider is in direct opposition to their interests, he should have very good reasons for his action. Whether Mr Kebbell's reasons are sound, our readers have had an opportunity of judging. Should he desire to urge anything fuftiier in defence of the line of action he has adopted, our columns are open to him, and we shall be glad to give him the opportunity of laying his views fully before his constituents. Meantime, we repeat that if he cannot see his way to vote for the sixpenny rate, hej should resign in time to give the latepayers of Horowlienua an opportunity of electing some one of their number who will represent them in the Council, upon this matter.