RISE IN CITY RATES.

Evening Star, Issue 21518, 16 September 1933, Page 17

RISE IN CITY RATES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Mr Lewin, in his statement of the finances of the city, mentions that the general rate has gone up from Is 10jd to 2s, but he avoids stating that the drainage rate has gone up a penny, as also the Hospital rate one penny, making a rise of 3id, an advance from 4s Ijd last year to 4s 5d in the £ this year on the rateable valuations. Mr Lewin stresses the point of the rate assessments being reduced, but where is the advantage to the ratepayers in reducing the rateable values and then putting up the rates as 1 have shown? The policy of the city valuer appears to be that one year he advances the rateable values and makes it a virtue if some slight reduction in the rates is made, and the following year reduces the valuations and up go the rates. In my own case, while I find, my valuation has been reduced this year, 1 find I shall have to pay considerably more than last year owing to the sharp rise m rates, and 1 feel silre many ratepayers will find themselves in a similar position.—l am, etc., September 15. Ratepayer.