THE PROTEST MEETING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24226, 19 February 1940, Page 3

THE PROTEST MEETING

ro THE EDXTOB Sir, —I feel I must make a few comments on the letter appearing in today’s Daily Times above the signature of “Alexandrina McShane.” I wish to thank “her” for the unsolicited and unexpected advertisement. But why spoil the good effect by again bringing up the historical and famous hose tap charge? Most of the people who voted against that “ enormous charge ” have had to pay from £1 to £3O more m rates, and with the exception of “Alexandrina McShane,” have .regretted their hasty vote ever since I will not risk entering into a discussion with your correspondent' on the multitude of questions dealing with economics, finance and politics. I fear “ her ” knowledge is too extensive for me. . “Alexandrina McShane ’ is. I am sure, unintentionally unfair to the “crowd” who are busy taking up a petition demanding a poll on the question of rating on unimproved value, when “ she ” refers to them as Communists. I want to assure “ her ” that the vast majority, if not all. of them are quite respectable and loyal citizens, who have no truck whatever with the Communists. “Alexandrina McShane ” does not want protection from the higher rates. Oh, no! For does “she” not inform us that VMy rates have been raised, and though I do not like it, I cannot honestly say that the valuation is not absolutely fair.” Is not this sentence rather a little eonfused? What has happened is that “Alexandrina McShane’s ” valuations have been raised, but her rates will be increased. I do hope “Alexandrina McShane ” will pardon me for presuming to correct “ her. “If the city is progressing . . values must "rise, and I for one would not like to think that Dunedin is going back,” says “Alexandrina McShane. This is the only reasonable sentiment in “her” letter. The city is making progress, but the speed is so slow that it is in danger of being left far behind those cities whose system of rating is more just arid equitable. From 1926 to 1939 the value of improvements in Invercargill increased by over £1,300,000. Dunedin’s increase in the same period wa ( £4,166,000. Invercargill is under unimproved rating Rating on the unimproved value has a tendency to compel the owners of land to use it to the fullest extent consistent with the building laws and regulations. If Dunedin had maintained the sairie speed of progress the value Of improvements m Dunedin, allowing for higher building costs, should have been £1,000,000 higher. “Alexandrina McShane ” does not wish to fall into the hands of “ a Communist crowd by signing a petition which might give more power into such dangerous, hands. There are 930 000 people in New Zealand who have their rates levied under, the unimproved system. Are all these people under the “dangerous .hands .ol Communists”? Or is Alexandrina McShane ” just talking nonsense? in conclusion, I would like to ask nev —if the new valuations are just and fair—why doos “she” not like it. I am etc.. M. Silverstone. Dunedin, February 17.