LIGHTENING THE BURDEN

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 50, 27 August 1931, Page 8

LIGHTENING THE BURDEN

(to the Editor.)

Shy—The executive of the Wellington Retail Traders' Association is in full accord with the Ratepayers' Association in its endeavour to lighten the burden of ratepayers and to prevent the Mayor and councillors from committing another blunder. The Eatepayers' Association is to be commended ou the determined stand & is taking against the proposed western access. The executive begs to advance the following, reasons for its dissent:— (1) The executive is surprised at the determination of the Mayor • and councillors to foist the western access on to ratepayers when the council already knows that ratepayers are strongly opposed, to the proposal. •. ' ' (2) The executive advocates the! use o! the present services until the depression is over. • . . .' (3) The executive insists that it Karori residents and those immediately benefiting desperately require the western access they should be willing .to finance^, it by increased'rates oh their ■ properties or by increased tram and" bus fares. ■ (4) The executive states that Karori; is already, well cateredifpr,by three methods of transport, namely, (a) by trami via Tinakori road; (b) by Kelburn car; arid bus; (c) by bus leaving Te Aro Post Office. (5) The, executive asserts that a new bus service,- .via Sydney street, is unnecessary. It would not mean any increase in' revenue. Bus ...services, in Wellington are already making a.loss. (6) -The .executive asserts that a tram route via Sydney "street is unnecessary, as it Would noi open up"any fresh area containing a,' large -population not already catered for. It would not therefore mean any increase in ■. revenue. - ■-■■ (7) The- executive! aaserts; that the proposed western access would mean an increase in the payment of interest without any gain, in, revenue,' therefore the -proposal is'unsound financially^ • . ;.'• (8) The executive is against any further commitments by the council during the depression.----(9) The executive urges the Mayor and councillors ;to confine themselves strictly to economy in municipal undertakings—to a reduction in rates and electric "lighting charges. These reductions would be beneficial to all.—We are, etc., f ' The Executive of the Wellington '■ Eetail Traders' Association.