SANITARY CHANGES AT BIRKENHEAD.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 190, 12 August 1919, Page 9

SANITARY CHANGES AT BIRKENHEAD.

(To I lie Eilltor.) Sir.—Kindly allow mc through your columns to draw attention to a gross injustice which is likely to bo indicted upon n section of the ratepayers of ihe borough of Birkenhead. In this particular suburb a portion is comprised of residential area, ami the balance is

-paively populated, and utilised almost altogether for ugieultural purposes. L'ndur the present system of ruling, a specie] fee is charged of 20/ per annum, to those utilising the service within the compulsory sauitation area, which area include) only tlie residential portion. I'mler tlie rate which hus been advertised, and which shortly will be struck, the Council proposes to include the cost of the sanitary service in the general rate, thus making those who do not require, the service, and who, outeide the area, cannot demand it, and who also derive no benefit whatever from their contribution to the rate, pay far more than those to whom the service i-noces.-ary for hygienic reasons. As an in.-tance of the injustice which "ill be occasioned, certain properties in the refiidential area referred to will be paying less in rates than the Council pays the contractor for the individual services, thus .miU'fjuardinj; the otjeurpier from the risk of an epidemic arising out of insanitary conditions, and not only relieving him of any contribution towards rond maintenance, administration, etc., but actually giving tlie property the benefit as well of a service at less than cost. On the other hand, those occupyin? properties outside the sanitary area will be called upon to pay in some instances £3 and over for a service, which they do not need, and cannot obtain.— I am, etc., C. K. AHBOTT, Hon. decretory, Birkdale Fruitgrowers' Association.