The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, March 6, 1909. AN IMPORTANT QUESTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 452, 6 March 1909, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, March 6,1909. AN IMPORTANT QUESTION.

On Monday evening next the Borough Council will consider the petition to further reduce the borough area. The petition to have certain properties merged into the Manawatu County arose in consequence ol the borough adopting rating on the unimproved value. Certain property owners objected that the change in the rating system, while greatly increasing their rates, did not return them any proportionate benefits. They now seek relief by asking that their lands lie merged into an adjoining local governing body area, where the burden of rales is less. That’s alright from their point of view, but the Council, in the interests of ratepayers, must consider the other side of the question- Cutting out these properties means increasing the burden of taxation upon those who remain. Further, it is only a question of time when the borough rates will have to be increased to provide for water and drainage loans, etc. The more properties we chop off the greater the taxation throughout the restricted area. Looking at it from this point of view, can the Borough Council conscientiously release the petitioning property owners from their obligations? It people can afford to own. large areas of land in a borough, they must be prepared to pay their fair proportion of fates, which, under the present system adopted by the borough, is the most equitable. Some time ago the borough was reduced in area from 5600 acres to 1240 acres. We would ask Councillors to consider what the reduction in area meant to those who went out and those who still remain. Have they thought the matter out ? The Council would do well to give this matter very full consideration on Monday night, and also to review the result of the previous reduction in borough area, before coming to a decision.