The Northland Age Published Twice a Week. Wednesdays and Fridays. Price Twopence. WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1928 SIDE-TRACKING THE RATEPAYERS.

Northland Age, Volume 28, Issue 38, 2 May 1928, Page 4

The Northland Age Published Twice a Week. Wednesdays and Fridays. Price Twopence. WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1928 SIDE-TRACKING THE RATEPAYERS.

If ever an attempt was made lo side-track the ratepayers in the Kaitaia Area, it was made yesterday, both by Mr J B Reynolds and bv that individual who loves to describe himself as “Colonel Allen Bell, M.P., member for the Bay of Islands.” It was noticeable by those present too, that the rather farcical meeting convened by the Northland’s “Hired Buffoon” that little or any importance of the ratepayers was suggested to Mr J B Thompson and his colleague Mr O’Donnell. Quite unwarranted also, was the attempt made to introduce party politics. Sometime ago we suggested that political trickery was responsible for the position in which the ratepayers in the County Area find themselves today. The "Hired Buffoon” characterises this as “quite an irresponsible person.” If he is to be believed, will he tell the ratepayers how it is that land in which he is personally interested, and which for immunity from floods is directly dependent upon the Drainage Scheme, was taken out of the main drainage area and created a seperate area ? How is it that the rating of this area is fixed for all time as one-fifteenth of the total rate that the County Area must bear if the present intention of the Minister is carried out. It may be quite a convenient thing lor the “Hired Buffoon” to attempt to fool the people by a uggestion of irresponsibility, but it does not get away from the fact that they are being penalised to give his property immunity from floods. We notice, too, that this “big bluff” has not accepted our challenge regarding the deputation sent to Wellington by the committee appointed to fight the fight of the ratepayers. Naturally he stands conditionally by his own irresponsible actTancrthe less he has to say about irresponsibility the batter for himself. It i>as well that he has declared himself. It we are to be declared irresponsible because we are protecting the ratepayers, then toey will know how to act next election. It means that the “Hired Buffoon” is flouting those to whom he has for the past six years been indebted for the means of livelihood.