CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1932, 28 January 1919, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —If rating on the unimproved value is carried at the polls to-mor-row it will mean a reduction of rates on the seaside properties. The sections there were recently revalued and increased. This, in the ordinary course means an increase of rates. A loan was raised for a road to the seaside, and the Awahou Riding, Borough Council and Harbour Board hears its proportion in rates and charges to meet interest and sinking fund on the loan. Now, Sir, if the proposal is carried tomorrow it will reduce the rates on the seaside properties and increase them on the Awahou riding ratepayers, who receive no benefit from the seaside. Is that a fair thing? The seasiders were satisfied to pay the present rates in order to get the road, and if they support the poll to rate on the unimproved value they will get out: of their proper share of payment. The principle to rate on the unimproved value may be the most equitable upon which to levy rates, but morally the seaside ratepayers should not support the change, —Yours, etc., RATEPAYER. (To the Editor.) Sir. —Did you notice by the recent cables that Britain and America will have the use of all the German Lloyd steamers during the armistice for repatriation of troops, and that Britain will secure a number of German passenger steamers to convey Australians home. Also, Sir, that the American Semite had passed a Bill appropriating 100 million dollars for the relief of our enemy food shortage; also (hat Germany might he expected to pay an annual indemnity ’ of five hundred million pounds, provided she were allowed to resume her normal commercial and national life. Now, Sir, how does this lit in with views expressed by certain local patriots who became hysterica! because ! lie local school eommiltee decided to accept a bargain piano bought from a Brili.-h firm before tin 1 war for the school? They should cable their protest at once to Lloyd George. The idea of bringing our soldiers home in German steamers is surely an unforgivable crime, and to feed (he starving Huns is over the odds. There are a few more pills (hey will have to swallow if they watch the proceedings of the Peace Council, which may broaden their outlook as to the meaning of true patriotism.— 1 am., etc., PARENT.