FORTUNATE RATEPAYERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 15 June 1920, Page 6

FORTUNATE RATEPAYERS

NO COLLECTION FOR A YEAR . The Lower Wairau River Board fixed the general rate for the ensuing year at two-eights of a penny in the pound. This is oneeighth of a penny less than last year’s rate, which was not co.lected. The action of the Board in foregoing the collection of the rate last year, constitutes a somewhat unique record in the history of local government, remarks the Marlborough Express. The Board, whose area includes the town of Blenheim and the surrounding districts, is one of the most important river control authorities in New Zealand, and the amount derivable from the rate of threeeights of a penny was about £2OOO, some of the largest ratepayers being liable for payments up to £3O or £4O. In recent the Board has successfully combated the flood evil; and, looking ahead at the beginning of last year, it had the prospect of being able to carry on without calling on the ratepayers provided no extraordinary contingency imposed an undue strain on the protective works. The Board took the opportunity of relieving its ratepayers; and, needless to say, this action has been ipuch appreciated. /