HIGHER RATES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 151, 29 June 1931, Page 6

HIGHER RATES.

SERIOUS POSITION IN MOUNT ALBERT (To the Editor.) In Saturday's "Star" it is stated that Mount Albert rates are to be considerably increased, though goodness knows tliev are already high enough. This is rightly referred to as a "bombshell" anil should not be passed without protest. Surely, while we are passing through such a difficult period now is not an opportune time for any local body to put extra burdens on the ratepayers It is recognised that previous administrations in this borough have piled up a large interest bill for ratepayers to meet during the next few years. The present Mayor, Mr. Stilwell referred to this in several of his pre-election addresses and stated that, although this would make it difficult to reduce rates during this year, he would, if elected, endeavour to" keep them down to the existing rate. Now it is reported that the committee has framed estimates which provide for an increase of approximately fifty per cent on the present amount. The Mayor rightly prefers not to comment on the matter until the council meets on Tuesday. It is earnestly to be hoped that he will not permit this thing to be done. He has already shown that ho is not a man of straw and is to be corn-mended on his action regarding the issue of three hundred summonses for the recovery of arrears of rates. It is impossible for the average man, especially when on relief work, earning an average of fl 8/1 i per week, to keep rates fully paid up without being loaded unnecessarily with court costs. Now tonics this bombshell. If this increase is inflicted on us many will be forced to give up the properties in which they have invested their savings. I have- talked this over with several neighbouring ratepayers, and find my own case is about an average one. I paid a deposit on a home some years ago, and borrowed the remainder on mortgage. When the prevailing depression came on I suffered, as many others did, through lack of employment, and for the past two years have not averaged more than £3 per week. I find it is not possible to live even very humbly, keeping a wife and three children, on three pounds a week. How can anyone in my position meet this huge increase ? I will be forced, in- company with many others, to leave the place and let the council approach the mortgagees for payment. If this happens, how is it goiii" to .help the council to recover the £30,000 already outstanding? Could the council not keep its expenditure down to the barest essentials and spread any unavoidable increase over a period, so that it will not come too hard on us in one year. After the present rating year has passed the position may be improved and ratepayers better able to meet their obligations. Believing Mr. Stilwell to be a friend of the people, I appeal to him to prevent this added burden being put on to us at a time when we are struggling to pay our way and are sorely in need of a little encouragement and consideration. RATEPAYER.