RATES TOO HIGH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3506, 3 July 1926, Page 3

RATES TOO HIGH.

WANGANUI PEOPLE PROTEST. COUNCIL WITH UNRULY AUDIENCE. Wanganui, June 29. The Wanganui City Council tonight enjoyed the privilege of conducting its business before a mass meeting of ratepayers, whose preence in the council chamber was the upshot of a recent protest against the raised rates bringing in £34,700 more than last year. The opportunity was taken to-night to present a deputation, which urged a reduction in the rates.

The deputation consisted of two speakers, Messrs S. E. Read and W. J. Rogers, who were backed up by hundreds of ratepayers crowding every bit pf space in the largo chamber.

After the deputation had spoken, the Mayor (Mr. Hope Gibbons) outlined the council’s policy and financial proposals. He was subjected to considerable heckling, and at times could not proceed, owing to the uproar. The proposal to acquire Gordon Park for the city came in for particularly lively criticism. The Mayor said the purchase would involve 9id in every £5 of rates. He offered to pay that amount of 9-Jd for any ratepayers who could not afford it. A voice: Talk business, not charity! ' . The meeting ended m an uproar, when the Mayor declined ,to permit Mr. Rogers to address the ratepayers again. After the Mayor had replied to the delegates’ remarks, Mr. Rogers advised the people to continue their protests against higher rates. The Mayor barred further discussion, and asked the deputation to withdraw. There was a chorus of hoots, and cries of “Resign. as the ratepayers withdrew.