GREATER EXPANSION, GREATER COST

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 100, 30 April 1931, Page 13

GREATER EXPANSION, GREATER COST

"The realisation of the Greater "Wellington ideal has had to be paid for," said Councillor G. Mitchell, again a Civic League candidate for the City Council, at Brooklyn last evening. "The city had grown from 3620 acres in 1903 to 16,180 acres to-day, and as each borough in lurn amalgamated with Wellington it brought with it greater civic responsibilities. These boroughs were 'largely lacking i a essential services, which were since supplied to them, and which are responsible for a great part of our indebtedness. The interest on these works, being consolidated, is a charge on the ratepayers throughout the. city, and is particularly heavy on central city property of high value. During prosperity these rates are not a burden, but in times of depression they become a very severe one. While'the increase lii rates to pay interest for sewerage, drainage, water, and Other loans may mean only shillings to the small householder it means pounds to the small business man, who is generally the first to feel the effects of depression.

"It is our duty, therefore, to lighten the .financial load' on all, consistent with true economy and efficiency, and while I am convinced that the incoming council should make a 10 per. cent, reduction in tho general rate, besides reducing the lighting cha.rges by £35,000, I also believe that other economies can be made without discharging workmen or curtailing essential works, but such other economies depend on contingencies which we may hot be- able to control. It is therefore better to promise only that which we know can bo carried out, and if possible to do more than we promised."