RATES IN MOUNT EDEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 130, 4 June 1930, Page 6

RATES IN MOUNT EDEN.

I have read with interest the published statement of the Mayor of Mount Eden, re the striking of the rates for the current year and a possible increase. Mr. Potter 6tates we are faced with an increased hospital levy of £587; that is quite correct, but he omits to mention that last year was less than the previous year by £275, and in two years this levy has increased only £312. This is not the first year we have paid a le\j for the museum, for last year we found £480. These items form only a small portion of the difficulties the council is facing this year. Mr. Potter mentions drainage construction,'and remarks that owing to the changed methods of the Loans Board we now have to make payments out of rates. A wrong construction can easily be placed on this statement; what really happens is that the necessary interest and sinking fund on loan money has to be found out of the rates. All that the board has asked is that this amount be met forthwith, instead of paying the first year's instalment out of loan money. Our whole trouble is that the loan expenditure has been too rapid for the borough and its growth of recent years. Our interest bill on loans in 1927 was £35,156, in 1928 £41,221, in 1929. £46.870, and to-day we have to face £53,305, a total advance in this short period of £18,149 —on to-day's valuation an increase of 1/2 in.the £1. It is purely a matter of opinion whether it is necessary to carry the official staff at its full complement in the future and is a question that the council is thoroughly investigating. The matter of future loans and their expenditure can safciv remain in abevance at present. W: H. NAGLE.