THE CITY’S PROGRESS.

Evening Star, Issue 22367, 17 June 1936, Page 12

THE CITY’S PROGRESS.

TO IBE EDXTOK. Sir, —In answer to a correspondent, you give the increase in the population of Dunedin in 10 years as 1,199, or 1.9 per cent. Under the impression that the increase had been, as vve all supposed, 13 per cent., you gave a very lino summary of the whole position. It behoves all citizens to seek out, and, if possible, remove any possible hindrance to the growth of the city. The Government has been lavish with expenditure—witness the new Jfost Office. The Harbour Board has pursued a forward policy with dredging and other works. The City Corporation and Drainage Board have spent money freely. The local Expansion League has been as energetic as usual, the Chamber of Commerce watchful, the Manufacturers’ Association active. Where is the hindrance to our advancement as a city ? Not in the system of rating. Oh! Dear, no! It is true that, for every pound received in rents in Dunedin, about 6s goes direct in rates to the City Corporation. It is, also true that this is levied on the annual rental value, so that the more a propery is improved, the more the owner has to pay in rates. Christchurch, without any direct access to the sea, is rapidly shooting ahead of Dunedin, bujt, of course, in Christchurch the rates are levied in such a way that( owners are encouraged to develop their properties. In reply to another correspondent, also in last night’s issue, you give some concrete examples of the method of assessing the rateable value of properties. Would it be possible to find in Dunedin a factory property yielding an annual rent of £620 and the rates round about £7O? If not, what would the rates be, and would they be so low that persons would be induced to commence business in Dunedin, or so high that it might be thought more profitable to start elsewhere? I am. etc.. Advance Dunedin. June 17.