The Unequal Burden Of Rates

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32020, 21 June 1969, Page 12

The Unequal Burden Of Rates

Sir,—l have always been under the impression that the leader-writer of a newspaper is one who avoids cynicism, balderdash, and just plain tripe, and also refrains from strewing red herrings throughout the course of the article. The writers of the letters printed on Friday are far more qualified to write leading articles than the hermit you employ. They have their ears to the ground and have a far greater following among the citizens of Christchurch than he could possibly imagine, and that goes for the glory-bent and title-seek-ing councillors, too. I heartily agree with W. J. Collins as to where the axe should fall, after it has fallen where “Pensioner” suggests. Let’s get down to brass tacks and have what we can afford and pay for, without leaving a heritage of debt for our children in dreaming up grandiose schemes.—Yours, R. C. MORRISH. June 20, 1969. Sir,—l thought your leading article was very good indeed. I have been a pensioner for a good many years, and not a rate-payer. There must be thousands in the same position as myself, who pay indirectly in rent My rent is sufficient to pay the landlord’s rates, fire insurance and almost all of his telephone charges. If I were a ratepayer, the rise in rates would not trouble me unduly. I consider the social security benefits are generous indeed, and 1 have saved a very respectable amount of money in the 15 years. lam single, and do not help the hotelkeepers or the TA.B., and I enjoy quite a good Standard of living. I know several single people who pay $3 and $3.50 room rent, and still manage to squeeze some supplementary sums from the Social Security Department. It all beats me,—Yours, etc., WELL SATISFIED. June 19, 1969. Sir,—l heartily agree with W. J. Collins, Who objects to prestige spending of rate moneys. My particular objection is to the financing of a civic orchestra, which should be supported only by those who wish to hear it I also resent the expenditure on "Mona Vale,” which property I visited on a fine Sunday afternoon for curiosity. It was empty of people, and its gardens are not anywhere near an attractive as the nearby public gardens. The proposed motorway is alto another scheme that should be squelched, if it is to be carved through the city and suburban area, with the consequent spending, of thousands of dollars in acquiring properties. What woulcL be the purpose of it except to save motorists a few minutes in time? And what would they do with those few minutes if they had them?— Yours, etc., CALLA HALT. June 20, 1969. [This correspondence is now closed. Ed., “The Press."]