RATING ON SPECIAL AREAS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8400, 15 April 1907, Page 5

RATING ON SPECIAL AREAS.

(To the Editor). Sir,—Your editorial note in Saturday's issue on the above subject ought to be carefully studied by seekers for municipal honours at the coming Borough elections. To my mind, it is high time the matter was tested in Masterton. To adopt the principle generally would be an error, but if applied to certain portions of the centre of the town, it would be a great advantage. A road from Chapel to Queen Street has been specially mentioned, and no better test could be given to the principle than the street in question. By a moderate expenditure, a new business thoroughfare could be created, the general appearance of the town benefited, as well as also being a great convenience to the very large number of people, who now have cause to "dodge" through a vacant section or tlse through an "alley" adjacent to a hotel, to get to the main sfreet. I. venture to say that benefited property owners would be only too willing to meet the interest on a special rate struck over the area enhanced in value. If this is the case, can the Council ignore a work which is necessary, and which those property owners who are benefited are willing to pay for?—l am, etc., PROGRESS. (We agree with our correspondent that the construction of the street he proposes is a necessary work, and that it should be a plank in the policy of every progressive candidate at the approaching municipal elections. The time is opportune for a discussion of the whole question.—Ed. W.A.)