CITY RATES

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 70, 20 September 1927, Page 10

CITY RATES

GENERAL AND SPECIAL

CIVIC LEAGUE REVIEW

SERVICE: PAYMENT

The secretary of the Civic league, Mr. D. M'Laren, has prepared an interesting comparison of city rates of ten and five years ago with the rates of to-day. He remarks that though statements have been made in a general way suggesting that the rates have not gone up (which is true of the general rate) rate demands are certainly heavier today than they were either five or ten years ago, but to-day greater service is given to the people of Wellington. His comparisons are:-—•

Ten years ago: "I- IOdJ 1927-28 ' 2 fisw^r far LS,(sr i 923-24) Hospital Rate.—l9l7-18, 3 l-3df ig27-28 6dincrease, 2 2-3 d. ' Water Hate.—l9l7-18, 2% per cent.; 1927-28, t,,. 5% per ceut-; increase, 2% per cent Llt>ri7,nn ß/ tei- 1917-18 ' «-200 d; 1927-28 16-200 d; decrease, l-200d.

Comparison with five years ago: Special Rates covering loans (imposed 1923- ---■ it). —lncrease, l^d. Library Rate.—l 922-23, 14-200d-' 197 •>» 16-200 d; increase, 2-209 d. ' ' Hospital Kate,—l 922-23, 4&d; 1927-28, 6d; Water Rate.—l 922-23, 2% per cent.: 1927-28 •5% per cent.,- Increase, 3 per cent.

The general rate, says Mr. M'Laren has not varied much in the last ten years. It rose from 2 l-10d in 1917-18 to 3d in 1923-24, and has since fallen to 2 7-10 d.

The Hospital rate more than doubled between 1917-18 and 1920-21. - In the latter year it was 6 7-Bd, from which it decreased to 4d in 1924-25, and has since increased to 6d. The water rate was at its lowest in 1921-22, when ie was 2J per cent., and has increased to 5J per cent. The general rise in rates has not been due to variation of the general rate, but to new and additional rates to meet the charges on loan and special works. AUTHonnhr not exercised. As bearing on this question of rates the City Council has authority to raise the following loans:— Authorised in 1920, not yet raised. 318.398 Street widening „ 150,000 10 per cent, on paving loan 20,000 New Hutt Bridge loan « v , 5,800 _ £494,198 In 1925-26 the water supply account showed a profit of £13,000, and yet an increase of 1 per cent, was to meet interest and sinking fund on the water loan. The credit balance.was £5000 in 1926-27. ■ • , In justice to the City Council it has to be said that the increase in rates is not due to excessive expenditure on ordinary works, but mainly on account of the new works and services which the citizens have called for. The psychological mood of the people has a strong bearing upon the issue of what loans they will vote. In 1920 they cheerfully voted for loans amounting to £1,708,----916, though these were far from as clearly put before them as was the recent proposed loan of £290,800, which they rejected. It is a matter of common knowledge that several city councillors had come to think that a number of works could be classed together and be endorsed as one large loan (as was the case in 1920). Last year they, talked of a list which "would have meant a loan of over £700,000. Such discussion in the present state of trade is frightening. INCREASES MUST BE FACED. With the development of the city there are certain essential works which must be carried out, and for these some addition to the rates has to be faced. The most that ratepayers can expect is that existing works and services shall "be carried out with due regard to economy, that necessities shall come first 1 in the planning of new proposals, and the time be studied as to when business conditions will allow of further liabilities being undertaken. As for the ratepayers themselves, they have' no right to complain whilst they indicate such shameful apathy. If they want their municipal affairs well attend- ■ cd to, then it is their clear duty to see that they take an -active and intelligent interest in the proposals which are put before them. They often blame the councillors, who are giving voluntary service, when the great majority should blame themselves for their utter neglect and indifference. To keep the rates at a safe level and have steady' progress requires . the active' co-operation of all The Mayor and councillors cannot do it alone. There has been some talk on. the line that the rates have shown little or no increase. This course of argument does not evoke confidence, as ratepayers know what they have paid and are now paying. The statement is more sound that, considering the many services rendered, and the costly nature of many works in "Wellington owing to natural conditions, rates are not excessive. That the city must expand, and further amenities .be provided, whilst these can only be provided from fresh capital which . the citizens must pay something to secure. If the pace is taken steadily there need be no fear of over-burdening the ratepayers.-