UPPER QUEEN-STREET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6570, 7 December 1882, Page 3

UPPER QUEEN-STREET.

TO THIS EDITOR. Sir, —I was glad to see that a recent v titer in the Press has advocated there being some little justice done to the ratepayers in that portion of Queen-street above the fire-bell. In spite of several petitions numerously signed, of the general wish of the people in the locality to have the street cut down to the permanent level, as decided upon by the Councillors some three years ago, nothing has yet been done. Streets in

which members of the Corporation themselves have properties have had thousands spent upon them. As an instance of the

way in which the property-owners in the part referred to have been treated, let ma here enumerate a few facts as to the ratable value, &c, of the holdings in this part of Queen-street. The value of property here in this upper part of the street is calculated at £65,200. The ratable value of this computed at £.'l4lO per annum, and the rates actually paid and being paid yearly into the coffers of the City Council are about £360. Now, Sir, the oecupiers of property in this street have Lad literally nothing in return for these payments. In fact there can be but little doubt that these sums have gone to improve the condition of the numerous out-of-the-way streets which could easily have waited, whilst this, the main thoroughfare of the city, had not common justice done to it. I know for a fact that there are several gentlemen wishing and ready to build handsome shops in the locality, but they are desirous cf first ascertaining whether the Council intend to spend at least some of the money levied upon them in improving the condition of the street. The Corporation -would be wise to do something in this direction, for in the event of other buildings being erected there must be a further increase in the takings of the city treasury,—l am, sir, A Resident is Queen-street.