CORRESPONDENCE.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 87, 13 June 1902, Page 5

CORRESPONDENCE .

To the Editor.

Sir: The Coronation and Peace Committee charge the Borough Council with meanness and disloyalty because the amount contributed by that body is inadequate to defray expenses in connectson with the celebratio n Now, as is well known, Motueka likes a low rate and no overdraft, and as there is an overdraft at present it means that even the small amount now voted will increase it. The rates of Id in the £ was struck for ordinary requirements ; now a demand is made for pleasure money which was not calculates when the rate assessment was made, and also <£33 is asked for towards building a hospital. This was also an unconsidered item, and will increase the overdraft. Are the people sufficiently loyal to pay a special rate to defray the cost of these two things ? If so, no doubt the Council will accede to the request and levy the rate. To my mind, this is preferable to borrowing money and paying interest for a day’s pleasure. The Council already is subjected to uncomplimentary and condemnatory remarks from the majority of the ratepayers, because an overdraft exists at all, and to increase it in expending money for pleasure would be decidedly inconsistent on the part of the community. If the principle of efraying the cost of the celebrations rating is tne right one, and I think J) t is, especially as the amount will be <£ for £, let us strike aiate, and be both consistent and loyal. I am etc., W. J. Mcffatt.