RAGLAN SANITARY RATES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 29241, 11 October 1940, Page 7

RAGLAN SANITARY RATES

(To the Editor) Sir—Those Hamilton residents who have baches at Raglan, and who have now received their rate demands, will notice that the sanitary rate there is still £2 10s per annum, but unless they have forwarded their cheques to the county office, are still to learn that the rebate of 50 per cent to part-time residents is not to be allowed this year. A letter I received from the clerk to the council states that a better and more efficient service has been inaugurated and so the privilege of rebate has been withdrawn. In other words, the bach-owners are to be forced to give a complete sanitary service to a few permanent residents while they themselves receive attention for approximately six weeks a year. This was all the service my bach received last year, and during that time I was forced to do duty in that direction myself on more than one occasion. At the rate of 1s. per lift, I received about 6s. worth of service for my 25s. contribution to the funds, but this year will have the pleasure of paying £2 10s. lor similar service. Some people, of course, may be able to visit the beach for longer periods than I, but nevertheless will be asked to pay out of all proportion to the value received. Cox’s Bay is really the Hamilton section of the township, and it is this portion which is being called upon to meet the liabilities of a service thrust upon it years ahead of its time in order to supply the permanent residents with an antiquated “sanitary” system which the installation of a water supply would have rendered unnecessary. I do not object to meeting my just liabilities, or to assisting equitably social improvements, but I do resent compulsory shouldering of the burdens of others, or seeing the class to which I belong singled out for unfair treatment. I trust that the Raglan bach owners living in and around Hamilton will take united action to oppose this imposition and ask for some relief.—l am, etc., C. J. MURPHY, Waihou, October 8