GROUND RENTS.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 31, 11 August 1864, Page 3

GROUND RENTS.

(to thb editor of the southland tistes). Deae Sic,—Will you be so good as to find a corner in your valuable journal for these few lines, and, at the same time, use your mighty weapon — the pcn —on behalf of the small and large shopkeepers of this town of Invercargill ? Why are they slaving day by day, to pay this unheard-of tax in the shape of ground rents ? There are many of my neighbors paying, or trying to pay, £3, £4, £5, and £6 a foot frontage. This, I consider, has been the cause of such long prices that have to be paid for all kinds of goods. All land-owners would coaault their own interest if they would follow in the steps of a Mr. Thompson, who has long ago reduced all his rents one-half. Thus, in the best parts of Dee-street, they are now paying £1 10s. per foot, and a good price it is. If other landowners would do likewise, we (most of us) would be able to weather the storm, and live to pay a better price another day. Land-owners, don't take foolish advice, but down with your rents, or you will lose the geese that lay their golden eggs ; they are now flying away, via the Bluff. — Yours, &c, A Goose that wili not Lay many mobe Golden Eggs iw this Town.