THE MAYOR IN REPLY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 42, 18 February 1913, Page 5

THE MAYOR IN REPLY.

(To the Editor “Stratford Post.”) Sir, —I cannot agree that Mr Richards is right in the method he lias adopted in connection with the rates. For Mr Richards’ method to be accurate it would bo necessary in all cases that the real capital value should be available. A re-valuation was made of the Stratford Beiough recently, and as a consequence the capital value has risen from £328,594 to £467,606, thus showing a very marked increase. Previous to the recent re-valuation, a valuation had not been taken in the borough for a very considerable time, and during the whole of this time the capital value was being steadily built up, but no means existed of ascertaining the value until the re-valuation was made. Now, supposing the loan proposals came on before the re-valuation was made, and Mr Richards’ method was adopted to show the position of the 'ratepayers, it is obvious that he would have been out in his calculations by nearly 33 per cent. The manner in which the Town Clerk treated the matter is the same as adopted in connection with our national debt. In the case of the latter, it is usual to show the average indebtedness of the population. The incidence of all taxation is such that individuals do not pay a like amount, but, to arrive at the indebtedness, it is desirable to strike an average. I am, etc., W. P. KIRKWOOD.