NO RATE REDUCTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 84, 10 April 1933, Page 5

NO RATE REDUCTION.

CONCERN FELT IN THAMES. APPEAL TO DEBENTURE HOLDERS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) THAMES, Sunday. The announcement just made by the commissioner of the borough of Thames that the previous rate of 2/6 in the £ will again be struck this year has caused considerable concern among the rate- j payers of the town, who were expecting some relief from the rating burden of the last two years. By exerting every effort, and in many cases drawing on what little reserves they possessed, the ratepayers endeavoured to pay their rates last year, but they reel they cannot find ways and means of meeting such a high rate again this year. The serious drop in the price of primary products and the reduced incomes of the ratepayers, owing to unemployment, have had a disastrous effect on the prosperity of the town and district, with the result that the majority of ratepayers cannot meet their rates.

Deputations have waited upon the commissioner, but he has been able to show them that it is impossible to reduce the rate. It has now been suggested that a strong deputation from the ratepayers go to Wellington and place the position before the borough's debenture holders. Some action in this direction may be taken during the coming week.