Municipal Muddlement.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 63, 30 July 1915, Page 3

Municipal Muddlement.

ITO THE EDITOR.! Sir,—A short time since a letter appeared in your paper under the above heading in reference to certain work performed by the Borough Council, but surely there could not bs a more glaring inrtance of "Municipal Muddlement" than the Council's proposal to increase our rates in these strenuous times, not to speak of the Council's peculiar attitude as regard] ex penditu'e on roada as referred to in your .leading article in your issua of yesterday's date. The Mayor and Councillors may be, and probably are, so well endowed with goods of this world that they view with unconcern the contribution they will be called upon to make to tba cost of the war, and that being so it matters not to them what amount of local rates they also pay. I plead, however, for those in more humble circumstances and would a»k the Council to have a little consideration for many who are struggling to make a living in this town.

-The Mayor, in his election campaign, severely condemned the financial methods of the late Council, certainly promising, in effect it not in actual words, that by a careful overhaul of the system of administration a leduction in ratea would be effected. So much for promises; but what about deeds. Mr Mason assumes office with the Council's finance in the unique and fortunate condition of being £IOOO in credit on the General Account and £ISOO in credit on the Loan Accounts. Then the remarkable sequel occurs that Mr Mason introduces bis first Budget only for us to find that be calls on us to pay even a higher rate than last year. You have already laid bare the absurdity of the reason given for the suggested necessity of raising additional money, so I will be brief on that point. 1 would simply say that I quite agree that the Council should simply provide for the bare upkeep of roads aa they now are and submit a loan scheme, when the money market is tasier, to effect material and lasting improvements. Otherwise, as in the past, cur money will simply be frittered away, aud, like the sea shell, will disappear into the voracious boweU of the earth.—l am, etc., RATEPAYER. Pukckohe, 29tb July, 1915.