THE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Marlborough Express, Volume V, Issue 236, 18 June 1870, Page 4

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

To the Editor of the Marlborough Express. Sir,— By the published report of the meeting of tire Council on the 7th instant, it appears that Mr. Henderson lias sent in a letter relative to a refund of rates paid in 1867, the consideration of which was deferred to the next meeting night. In the meantime we may presume that the subject is occupying some portion of the thoughts of the Councillors and others, and a few words on the subject just nPw in your paper may be opportune. Of the rate in question only about four-fifths were collected, and I beg to submit the following reasons why the same ought to be repaid to, or placed to the credit of the respective persons in the books of the borough:— 1. The first principles of justice indicate to all of ns that it is unfair that these few persons should pay, when the great bulk of the ratepayers did not. 2. It was understood and intended by the late Board that these rates should be refunded. 3. At public meetings, held relating to town matters when it has been stated that such re-fund should be made, no one ever dissented. 4. The ratepayers who did not pay the rate in question have no wish to take advantage of their fellow-townsmen. 5. If this injustice is not rectified, it will be calculated to engender ill-feeling amongst the ratepayers. (5. If these rates are not refunded it will be a sort of punishment on those who are the best ratepayers, namely, those who are prompt in payment, putting the town to neither trouble nor expense. 7. Not to repay those rates would act as an inducement to hang back on all occasions from paying rates as long as possible, for the chance of what might turn up, thus creating general distrust, and making the collection of rates as difficult and troublesome as could be. 8. Those who paid their rates, did so in the full confidence that whatever form of town government we might have in the future, the rate account would be equitably adjusted as early as possible. 9. The payment of these rates enabled the late Board to pay a debt which was due by the town to the Bank, and which was being pressed for. 10. It would be a satisfaction to all the ratepayers to have the rate accounts adjusted, and would tend to peace and unanimity in the town. Trusting that the Council will deal “evenhanded justice” amongst all its constituents, and thus promote good-will and order amongst us. I have, &c. „ Fair Play.