Waimairi rates

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32660, 16 July 1971, Page 8

Waimairi rates

Sir, —Since the Waimairi Council stated at the beginning of the year that it was not in favour of the petrol tax, and considered it unnecessary, how is it that, with the advantage of this bonanza, it still . finds it necessary to increase the rates 15 per cent? I should also like to know how it expects the average family to find, not one lot of rates, but one and two-thirds as much as usual, plus the extra 15 per cent, all in one year. The fact that no prior notice was given and that the first instalment must be paid within six weeks is hardly fair on ratepayers who were not expecting to have to “fork out” until next February. For many people it would be impossible to find the cash at such short notice, and at the most expensive time of year, with high fuel bills, doctors’ fees, etc.—Yours, etc..

(MRS) H. M. TAIT. July 15, 1971.

Sir, —As a resident of Prestons Road I am disgusted by the increase in rates. We as Papanui Riding residents are financing other riding. activities before we have our own cart-track put in order. This busy one-way track (Prestons Road) has one of the'most dangerous traffic problems, near Redwood School. We should support Cr Rice in fighting for an equitable rating system so that we can have our own finance available without pleading letters and words for a modem and safer road for our school children.—Yours, etc., J.D.E. July 14, 1971.

Sir, —My rates in the Avonhead riding of Waimairi County have increased by 37 per cent on last year. Without allowance for any effect

that the petrol tax or Commonwealth Games may have on county finances, I can reasonably expect to be paying a dollar a day rates within a few years. I am not complaining. However, I would like to know whether Parliament has passed legislation giving the county the authority to levy the 10 per cent additional charge on instalments not paid when demanded. I would have expected that instalment payments would have been made optional, allowing the choice of yearly payment if desired. I can only conclude that the county no longer serves the ratepayer but demands that the ratepayer shall serve the county.—Yours, etc., DOCILE. July 14, 1971.

Sir,—Mr Guthrey will no doubt have noticed that the Waimairi County has presented him with an important lever towards amalgamation with the city of that arrogantly-administered area. In imposing a system of advance rate payment the county has, without reasonable warning, broken with the city’s method of collection, thereby causing financial inconvenience to its. ratepayers, to say the least. How much it would now be to the advantage of the Mayor's case for amalgamation - he could announce that the City Council will not force advance paying- of rates, and that a genuine system of instalment paying (that is, no penalties before’ February) will be introduced to convenience citizens. The city would save thousands of dollars a year in overdraft interest and gain wide support on the amalgamation issue. The canny Scbts saw through the scheme Waimairi has inflicted; they threw it out in Dunedin.—Yours, etc., AMALGAMATIONJuly 15, 1971.

Sir, —After listening to Mr D. B. Rich remarking that the council had brought in the new instalment system to help ratepayers meet their commitments, I feel I must protest at the underhand way this was done. I cannot recall reading anything previously of a 10 per cent penalty on instalments not paid, Mr Rich did not mention it in his interview. To the contrary, it is usually contended that some sort of discount should be offered if rates are paid ahead of time —not a penalty. I should like to know if this high-handed council can legally enforce the 10 per cent charge on instalments except for those unpaid by February, 1972. It is time uiis council cut its suit

according to the cloth available. I would advise councillors to reverse their decision on the 10 per cent penalty if they wish to retain their seats at the forthcoming elections. —Yours, etc., DISSATISFIED RATEPAYER. July 14, 1971.