RETRENCHMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11060, 11 May 1899, Page 7

RETRENCHMENT.

m THE EPTTOR. Sir,—"One Interested" evades the questions at issue raised by "Fairplay," but at the same time admits my correctness when he shuffles out of it by saying "introduces a lot of matter not worth answering." Then Why did "One Interested" take it up? As to his remarks on the overdraft and 10 per cent, penalty, 011 rates six months overdue, let ine tell him that my information comes from councillors, whose word I am bound to take in preference to one writing under a Bom do plume. If " One Interested" will reveal himself, wo shall then be able to place a proper value upon his statements. With regard to the 10 per cent., if ho follows the reading of the Rating Act, 1894, he will find that the rolls in complying with the Act shall be made on or before February 15, and that any person interested may object up to March 15. The Assessment Courts cannot bo held with less than 10 days' notico after such date, and heretofore has not been (here note sitting of such Courts for Newton, Devonport, etc., two months after the time for objection expired). After this the rate honks have to be written up, then the rate notices, and then each person to be served with the same. _ Now, the city rates run from June 1 to May 31 (with the exception of the id library rate), and the officers of the Counoil have always had their work cut out to get delivery by June 1. When will such work be completed this year? Perhaps "0110 Interested" can tells us. I think I am within the mark if I say that the 10 per cent, cannot be collected this year, but for a certainty they (the Council) Will not have six months of the year to do B0 i or anything like it, and must of necessity loao a considerable amount in consequence. Are there two valuors? There were certainly two people at work in connection with valuations very recently in WellingtonStreet.—l am, etc., Wsr. GULLIVER, May 10, 1899. Late City Valuer.