PUBLIC OPINION

Taupo Times, Volume IV, Issue 187, 26 August 1955, Page 4

PUBLIC OPINION

Increase In Rates Sir, — I-Iaving received the current rate demands certain non-resident Taupo ratepayers, tlomiciled in Auckland, have expressed coneern and niade various stateinents concerning our local body affairs. As these appear to liave been made in ignorance of fact oue feels duty bound to point this out to your readers. I refer, Sir, to a letter signecl Jay I-Ioby (Taupo Times, August 19) and to write-U])s given by the Xevv Zealand I lora ld to a "Taknpuiia" resi(lent reeently, as well as to a letter in the New Zealand Ilerald (August 19) signed "W. W. Dove." All three are perturbed at tbe increase in rates since the period 19401946 and consider tbat roads are worse now than then, and tbat nothing is being received in return for rate increases. Tbe Takapuna and Remuera ratepayers botb suggest tbat a Ratepayers' Association sbould be forined, Let me inform tliem tbat a Taupo Ratepayers' Association was formed over four years ago and is taking an active interest in tbe progress of tbis town. Since these Auckland residents invested in property in Taupo tbe resident population bas more than trebled, and to-clay it is over the 3000 m ark. Rates have trebled, and so bas the value of the properties these folk purcbased. Would any oue ot tliem accept bis, or ber, nioney back on tiieir investmentV Elementary reasoning would tell Mr Dove tbat bis statement tbat "there is now a proposal to increase tbe rates heavily in the future" is at least premature. No sucb proposal could even be considered until tbe annual est.ima.tes are studied next year. Jay Hoby and the Takapuna resident complain tbat they are alarmed at tiieir rate demands just received and say tliey are "getting nothing back for it." How do they know? We haven't received tbe money yet. let alone bad a clianee to spend it. Tluy must ask tbe questions as to

a'look round Taupo and appraise just wbat bas been done, over the past year or two in particular. They may even bear in mind tbat Taupo bas the tusk of providing a menities and faciiitios, not only tor a rapidly inereasing residenl: populaee, but also for tlie many tbousands of visitors and tourists wlio swell the; population during boliday periods. Unlike Rotorua, little financial help; is ever offered by any Government to- j wards providing these amenities, and i tbe ratepayers must foot the com-; plete bill. Taupo's rates are not bigb to those; wbo take part in and witness tbe i great progress being made, but to outside investors tbe rise in rates may be irksome. Oue must disagree witb Mr Dove wlien be says tbat in the future — as i in the pasi — tbe prosperity of tbe town depeiKls. largelv on those who! have boliday houses bere. That situation faded out some time ago. Tbe progress of Taupo cannot be retarded to suit certain of -tts outside ratepayers and investors wbo would have Taupo remain in tbe state it was 10 years ago. — 1 ani, etc.,

C. S.

CORRIE.