OBJECTION TO LOAN

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32432, 17 May 1944, Page 6

OBJECTION TO LOAN

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —The following is a letter I have sent to the Loans Board objecting to the loan which the ICoromandel County Council proposes to raise. “In objecting to the loan in its- present form' I do so in the interests of the primary producers of the county. Also for all those ratepayers who will have their assets depreciated and are .unable to hand on any extra taxation.

“We have a good case for a bigger subsidy on permanent concrete bridges (these being our most urgent need). We feel that the council in ignoring this case and submitting the loan as it stands has forfeited the goodwill of the ratepayers. “This will be borne out if this loan comes before the ratepayers again for approval. '‘We object to the loan for the following reasons:— l “(1) That approximately 90 per cent of the present rates arei*made possible and are paid by the primary producers of this county. “(2) That this loan will have the ultimate effect of raising the present rate and thereby depreciating the value of farmlands. *

“(3) That this loan spent in the proposed way will not result in a greater rateable value. “(4) That this county can barely maintain the present roads. “(5) That with the exception of lowex* annual maintenance on bridges this loan will have the following effects unless the rate is increased:— “(1) Less money for maintenance on our present roads. “(2) Greater financial stringency within the county than has been known in the past. “(3) Higher maintenance costs on the reconstructed highways through faster traffic. “Hoping this objection will be considered.—l am, etc., A. J. GOUDIE.