Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1906. OUR BOROUGH RATES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3700, 31 July 1906, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1906. OUR BOROUGH RATES.

We would explain to our correspondent "Resident,” (who complains of our rating system in another column) that it is always necessary to attach correct name to all, Press correspondence, not for use in the paper columns (where a nom de plume will suffice), but as a matter of,faith between paper proprietor and correspondent. As to the main text of the letter, that of the rating system being wrong as followed in Foxton, such argument opens up a big question. " Resident ” is not entirely alone in his contention that the system adopted is incorrect. There are many ratepayers in our midst who have complained of the enormity of their rate-bills, but the principal complaint seems to be that they have felt dissatisfied at not receiving the different items detailed in full. This seems a reasonable ground for complaint, as every person has a perfect right to know what he or she is paying for. Possibly the error was only an error. As to rating on unimproved value, this matter opens up a big question, and while agreeing that the person who absolutely refuses to improve his property in any way should be allowed to get off scot free in the matter of increased rates, still we hold that the man who improves his property and thus enhances its value considerably, should be charged according to that marketable value. Naturally, "Resident” feels aggrieved, as his convictions lead him to believe his contentions are right, and we are forced to agree with him that the comparisons instanced by him greatly aid his argument that our system of rating could be improved, and that the revising of same should be considered, we agree with. As we previously stated, this matter of rating opens up a big question, and we intend to deal with the question more fully in a later issue.

In all probability Capt. Hughes, D.S.O. will be present at the Cadet Ball on August Bth. The report of the Huse —Spring wedding, which took place to-day, will appear in our next issue. Much of the machinery was set in motion at the ropeworks yesterday, ; and general opening day should not be far distant. The Revs. McCully of Turakina, and Jolly of Palmerston N. will address the congregation at the Presbyterian church to-night at 8 p.m. All are cordially invited. A Committee meeting of the Foxton Racing Club was held last evening. The only business done was to recommend different trainers and jockeys for their licenses. Many replies have been received by Sub-Union secretary accepting the invitations to attend the Grand Ball on the 15th. Amongst others Mr John Stevens, M.H.R., has replied in the affirmative. Mr George Gray is at present sinking for water in the property, occupied by Mr T. Gingell. A well-sinking plant in operation, fully manned, is attracting considerable attention daily.

Mr J. R. Whyte will arrive in Foxton in a few days to fix up the Annual General Meeting of the Foxton Racing Club, in place of Mr Angus Keiih (secretary), who, being under the doctor’s care, is unable to do SO. Mr Alf. Shadbolt left for Feilding this morning to attend a conference of different Athletic Clubs in connection with the formation of a New Zealand Athletic Association. Mr Shadbolt is representing the Foxton Athletic Club. The installation service of local Oddfellows Lodge takes place at the Masonic Hall this ( evening, after which a banquet will be held to commemorate the occasion, at which much talent is promised, including, it is said, Mr Bert. Ingram, champion whistler. The Feilding Star is advocating the extension of the Foxton-San-don railway to Feilding, and says it would place business people and the producers in the country ‘ ‘ on the same level as Palmerston.” The estimated cost is a trifle of ,£20,000. A young man named Pope had the misfortune to break his leg on Saturday last through a fall from a horse in the Avenue. Er Bennett attended to the sufferer, who was conveyed by train yesterday morning to the Palmerston North Hospital, where we hope for his speedy recovery. The High Commissioner cables: —“ The hemp market is not quite so firm, as large buyers have withdrawn from the market, and prices have consequently declined ; g.f.a.q. Wellington, on spot is quoted at ,£34 xos, and OctoberDecember shipments at ,£34 per ton ; fair current Manila on spot is selling at ,£43 per ton.” Messrs Mounsey & Co. advertise particulars of a sale they have received from the Public Trustee in the Estate of the late Cornelias Sullivan to be held on the premises, Avenue Road, on Tuesday, Aug. 7th, commencing at 12 o’clock. Particular attention is drawn to the three draught horses, drays, harness, horse and gig, milch cow, heifer, and household furniture, all to be sold to the highest bidder. The firm will be pleased to receive entries, and particulars relating to the sale can be obtained from Mr G. Coley.