RATES MUST GO UP

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 459, 14 September 1928, Page 13

RATES MUST GO UP

CITY COUNCILLOR’S VIEWS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISCUSSION “We will have to look forward to increased rates because of the rapid growth and increased requirements of the city.” This opinion was expressed by Mr. L. A. Eady to the Chamber of Commerce Council yesterday, when the question of local body finances and loans was discussed. Mr. L. A. Eady said that if the members of the council went into the cost of developing outside, areas which were joining the city they would be staggered. It was a question whether city ratepayers should not have a say in allowing amalgamations as they did in other major questions. Mr. H. T. Merritt: Are there any possibilities of other areas being brought into the city? Mr. Eady: Oh, yes. As soon as any local body finds any difficulty in developing its area it comes into the city. “I think we are out of order,” said Mr. T. B. Clay. “Greater Auckland has nothing to do with this.”

Mr. Eady: It is a question of expenditure. It was then suggested that the council send a remit to the annual conference assertihg that the raising of loans without polls should be discouraged. “I think it is open to question whether the raising of loans by polls is the best method,” said Mr. J. A. C. Allum. “In England there are no polls and the raising of loans is decided after expert investigation.” A Member: And their taxes average about 18s. Mr. Allum; There are situations where loans are imperative. The council decided to support the suggestion.