BOROUGH LEASES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 500, 6 April 1933, Page 7

BOROUGH LEASES

WILLIAM

BLACK.

(To the Editor) Sir, — Recently you published an abbreviated report of how the Opotiki Borough Conncil dealt with a lessee who wrote expressing inability to pay his lease rent, and offering his services with horse and dray to do borough work to the extent of the lease rent owing. The offer was refused and the leases were ordered to be cancelled. I am the unfortunate. victim and would like you to allow me to explain my position. I am a married man residing on a borough leasehold seetion. I have also two other small leasehold sections upon which I graze my horses and cow. Owing to the depression, my earnings lately have sadly shrunk until I am now down -almost to the bread and butter line. I was unable to meet my lease rent, and I wrote explaining my position and appealed to be allowed to do work to the extent of lease rent due. I thought the council would extend to me a little of the milk of human kindness in my distress, but imagine my astonishment to learn that the council not only refused my offer, but decided to cancel my leases. By their action I shall now be deprived of the grazing for my horses and consequently it will be harder for me to earn my living. I was naturally feeling very sore over the turn of events when I met a friend who informs me that several of the councillors who dealt so harshly with me have-failed to pay their rates. Human nature does seem full of inconsistencies does it not. — I am, etc.

Opotiki, April 5. J