GREYMOUTH RATES

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 July 1936, Page 14

GREYMOUTH RATES

[TO THE EDITOR. 1 . . Sir— Many thanks for submitting my letter 10 the Mayor, but I am Forry that His Worship took up the stand outlined in your ‘Answer to Correspondents’ column in last evening’s “Star.” I quite agree with Mr Meldrum’s attitude in not replying to anonymous letters on certain sl *p’ jectS. but this is a matter of public importance; -and- should- be answered by those involved. The Mayor gave the ratepayers, through your columns, certain information, which was somewhat difficult to follow, and surely these same ratepayers are entitled to know the correct reason why the finances of the Borough are in theit present, state. If the Council’s administration during the past twelve months was good, then no harm can be done to those who will have to pay, by letting them know what factors caused the trouble. On the other hand, if the Council “missed tho bus.” then why not say so. The Mayor and Councillors occupy public positions, and why should they not receive tho same criticism as Mr Savage, Mr Coates. Mr Semple, or any other public man? And why should I, as a ratepayer, have to trudge along to the Borough Council’s office to see the Mayor or the Town Clerk and ask them how it came about that our rates will have to be increased this year, and who and what, was to blame? 1 am only one of hundreds of ratepayers. and according to the Mayor's view those who want information need only to go to the Council Office where it will be handed out. Why not hand it to you, Mr Editor? If that was (tone, we all would be enlightened. I can only conclude that the Mayor’s disinclination to amplify his previous information, as it appeared in your columns, is that there must be inaccuracies in same. However seeing we cannot get the information sought for, the ratepayers of the Borough will simply have to pay when the time comes, and not have the satisfaction of knowing just why the increases came about. —Yours etc.. RATEPAYER, Greymouth, July 22.