MANUWATU EVENING STANDRAD Circulation. 3,200 Copies Daily. FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1906. INCREASED RATE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8192, 18 May 1906, Page 4

MANUWATU EVENING STANDRAD Circulation. 3,200 Copies Daily. FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1906. INCREASED RATE

As will be seen from a perusal of the report of the Mayor's addresss on Municipal matters last night Mr Cohen advanced some cogent reasons for the increase of the general rate. To those among the ratepayers who have taken the trouble to consider the great expansion of the town in all directions, the increased frailic, the expense of up-keep, and the necessity of keeping pace with the rate of progress made, the Mayor's announcement will not come with surprise. It is evident to all that increased expenditure and requirements must be provided for, indeed it is forced upon us by our own growth. The majority, however, of those present were not prepared for the great difference that exists, as shown by figures quoted by the Mayor, in the general rate paid in Palmerston and that paid in towns comparable with it on a population and unimproved valuation basis. For instance, Devonport pays a total general and •special rate of id, Grey Lynn •> 1-ltid, Stratford Feilding — our near neighbour Masterterton -IM, Blenheim o\d, Greymouth s:|d, Hokitika o.|d, l.nvercargill 7 Ul. Palmerston North pays 2 5-Gd. With the exception of Invercargill, which has a population of 11,000, the population of the rest of the towns quoted is, in the the highest, not more than half that of Palmerston, and yet, with the single iuslance of Grey Lynn, there is not one of them that is not paying more than double almost the general rate paid here, and it will not be contended by anyone that is acquainted with these towns that any of them enjoy better local facilities, or, in some instances, as good as Palmerston. The figures in themselves form, of course, no argument why the local rate should be increased, and were not intended as such, but merely for the purposes of comparison, and as showing how the general weal has at all times been considered m Palmerston they are in* valuable. The definite statement of the Mayor last night that irrespective I of the valuation roll, not yet received from the Government, a sum of £000 only is required in excess of j what the general rate produces on the present rating basis, was a source of great satisfaction to those ratepayers present, also the remark that only an increased rate sufficient to provide this will be struck. As the Mayor remarked, the increase on aa unim* ]>roved valuation of £500 is only 10s, an infinitesimal amount and not worth considering when the progressive and permanent improvements contemplated in the town are placed in the balance, la addition it means the difference between sound finance and safety and a spoil - the»ship-far-a-ha'portu-oLtar• policy that cannot be too roundly con-

dcmned, e*pe©tallyin.-?. :,ti# a growing town where contingencies that cannot, or at iea#t are difficult to anticipate, are rontinoally cropping tip.