The Ratepayers’ Association
Sir, —“Colin Harold’s” reply to critics of the Ratepayers’ Association is predictably evasive. A citizens’ tax was not the issue, and if such a tax is, in fact, the “sole purpose” of the association why did Mr Mackintosh so concern himself with other matters when the Citizens’ Association council was in office, notably the Commonwealth Games? Has “Colin Harold” forgotten that Mr Mackintosh offered the Games to Melbourne in so-called defence of the ratepayer? The reference to democracy is laughable as it seems “Colin Harold” would deny those who do not agree with him one of the chief principles of democracy, the freedom of expression. His letter displays an oversensitivity that makes one suspicious. Could it be that the truth hurts? —Yours, S. WELLS. July 24, 1972.
Sir, —The three letters opposing Mr A. A. Mackintosh scarcely comprise a vicious attack. Mr Mackintosh’s own comments in answering “Big Brother” are the rudest made during the whole correspondence. “Colin Harold” has raised some interesting points but leaves us still in doubt as to the size of the Metropolitan Ratepayers’ Association other than suggesting it is a small beginning. If this is so it makes Mr Mackintosh’s claims of representing all metropolitan ratepayers (and making telephone calls to Melbourne bn our behalf offering them the Common-
wealth Games) look somewhat foolish. If this organisation is interested only in citizens tax why is it making statements praising 9.8 per cent rate increases and doubtful transfers of M.E.D. funds?—Yours, etc., NOT REPRESENTED. July 24, 1972. [This correspondence is now closed. — Ed., “The Press.”]
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32977, 25 July 1972, Page 12
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262The Ratepayers’ Association Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32977, 25 July 1972, Page 12
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