Rangiora Rates

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29890, 2 August 1962, Page 3

Rangiora Rates

Sir. —As a Rangiora house owner. I notice that the rates have been sharply increased, the largest rating ever in our town. I was under the impression that the borough council always endeavoured to keep the rates to a fair minimum, but the council this year has allowed the older residential section to sustain any increases incurred through new subdivision charges, instead of charging the extra cost where it belongs. Kaiapoi has not increased its rates although new development is taking place, and because of its position will gradually outstrip Rangiora. which will become a second Waimate Our town will for many reasons become a back-water while the population and industry move north The ratepayers should not take this lying down, and should appoint new councillors at the next election to defend oui' rights.—Yours, etc., RATEPAYER. July 17, 1962. IThe Mayor of Rangiora '<Mf L. E. Farr) said: “The rate assessment for the average . residential property tills year will show an increase of some 61 per cent, over last year's demand and the council does not consider such an increase can be considered a ‘sharp’ increase. ‘Ratepayer’ is incorrect in his assertion that the older residential areas of the borough are being called upon to pay for work in new subdivision areas as subdividers are required to road and service any land they subdivide which involves the construction of new streets. It is also a fallacy to think that the lower the rates, the more progress a town will make. The less a tow-n spends on its streets, services, and amenities, the less desirable it becomes as a place in which to live and the less progress it will make. It is the privilege of ratepayers to choose their represenetatives. and no doubt ‘Ratepayer’ will offer his services at the forthcoming borough election.”]