MOUNT EDEN AND THE CITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21111, 19 February 1932, Page 12

MOUNT EDEN AND THE CITY.

Sir, —There are in the question of amalgamation two main principles involved. (1) The prestige of the City of Auckland, of which we'are all justly proud; a house divided against itself cannot stand. Auckland City can do without Mount Eden, but Mount Eden cannot do without the city. A very large proportion of the residents of Mount Eden earn their livelihood in the city and are utterly dependent on it. Even if the city rates would be more than Mount Eden (instead of less), honour and pride should prevent us from being willing to take advantage of the many facilities for service and enjoyment, for which we pay nothipg. (2) The economical question, which will be the more costly? Let a committee be formed of those for and against amalgamation to consider and report on: (a) The question of valuations in comparison. From long experience I am convinced that the majority of properties in Mount Eden are too highly valued and are rated on a higher proportional valuation than the properties in the city. Let the committee determine this. I understand Mr. Motley, city valuer, has taken a haphazard number of properties in Mount Eden and given the Mayor of the city his opinion of the same. Ido not know what they are, but am prepared to accept these figures as a proper guide to go on. (b) To place before the residents the different rates charged, including water. In this they must be guided by the estimated rates as given by each council. John W. Shackelford.