NO REDUCTION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 285, 13 September 1933, Page 7

NO REDUCTION

RATING IN THAMES BOROUGH. COMMISSIONER'S DECISION. (Per Press Association). THAMES, September 12. A representative meeting of ratepayers to-day considered the reply of the Borough Commissioner {Mr C. L. Grange) to a deputation seeking immediate and substantial relief in rating. The Commissioner stated that the amount of rates levied on the borough by the Harbour Board was approximately one-fourth of the amount levied by the council. Loans for both were secured 04 the same rating area. Borough debenture-holders had already conceded a substantial sum of interest and should not be asked to make further concessions while the board's debenture-holders were in a more favourable position.

After most careful consideration Mr Grange was unable to alter his decision, and considered 2s 6d in the £ a proper rate. He repeated that no undue pressure would be applied regarding the collection, of arrears in cases of definite hardship. Regarding the threat to go further, Mr Grange could not see that he could help very much in view of the facts: (1) The fixing of the rate was solely in his hands; (2) interest is not being paid in full; (3) no representations had been made to the Harbour Board for similar treatment in this year's rates; (4) five months had already expired; (5) a promise had been made, if co-opera-tion were maintained, of relief next year.

Mr Grange said deputations were not only ineffective but distinctly harmful. He deprecated the undue publicity which, he considered, was inclined grossly to exaggerate the position.

The meeting decided to call a public meeting of ratepayers on Monday, inviting the Commissioner, the Mayor, and Mr A. M. Samuel, M.P., to be present, to pass a resolution to Cabinet seeking the relief which, it is considered, the Thames Borough Commissioner Act does not provide as was promised.