NEWMARKET LOAN PROPOSALS

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 132, 5 June 1923, Page 3

NEWMARKET LOAN PROPOSALS

ITo the Editor.) 1 Sir, —To anyone taking an intelligent interest in municipal matters. "Katepayer's" statement in connection with the permanent paving of Newmarket streets speaks for itself. At a matter of fact, I am informed that the concrete paving recently carried out by the Newmarket Borough Council in Manukau Road cost 10/7 per square yard, and if the City Council is doing their paving for one quarter of this sum, they are to be congratulated. I understand that the loan proposals will not mean an increase in rates, as the Council has made provision for payment of interest and sinking fund on the amount proposed to borrow. However, his statements regrading rates is clearly indicative of the length to which ''Ratepayer" is prepared to go to discredit the borough. He states that the rates on a dwelling in Newmarket based on a valuation of £60 are £13 — general rates at :i/4 in the £ and 5 per cent water charges. These figures are substantially correct, but the further statement that a dwelling on a similar I valuation pays in the city £9 10/ is I incorrect. As the city water charges are 2i por cent, equal on the valuation in question to £1 10/, a sum of £S is thus left to meet the general rate. The general rate in the city is 3/11 in the £. representing a sum of £11 15/.. making a total rate payable of £13 5/. It is, therefore, clear that the rates in Newmarket are lower than the city. The present council has the confidence of the majority of the ratepayers, as will be clearly evidenced on the day of the loan poll.—l am, etc. SEWMARKET RATEPAYER. I