WELLINGTON CITY FINANCE.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17937, 4 December 1923, Page 6

WELLINGTON CITY FINANCE.

COMPLAINTS OP RATEPAYERS. (special to "the pbess.") WELLINGTON, December 3. Wellington citizens are becoming alarmed at the management, or the mismanagement, as many of them term it, of city affairs and finance. Not a day passes but one hears the most severe criticism, and ratepayers generally are complaining of the ever-increasing rates which they have to pay. Letters on the general question are now appearing in the local Press.

Oiie writer points out that though the Mayor promises a further increase in rates, the Council is voting away large sums for undertakings which the rates are not levied for. He quotes the schedule to the rate notices. "Surely this,'' he adds, "is not legal, and that those members who hare voted these sums —£5000 here and £oQO therg^—have a personal responsibility. If these sum 3 cannot be raised by voluntary contributions, it plainly shows that the people disapprove of the object. Certainly Ave should not be compelled to give through increased rates being demanded."

Another writer stresses the need for vigilance in watching the finances, and the need of the best business brains to safeguard the interests of the city. "My hope," he adds, "ia that our people will demand that waste and unnecessary and unprofitable work shall cease, and the people come to realise the unpleasant tact that all loans are a further mortgage on their property."