THE CITY RATES
Sir, —1 have been keenly interested in the developments which have If] to the decision of the City Council to increase the rates by 2Jd in the pound. 1 was one of lhany citizens- who attended the meeting of the council on Friday in a state of indignation at the threat to raise th 3 rates. ] left that meeting with my viewpoint completely changed, and with the conviction that no other course was open to the council. Notwithstanding thp inference to the contrary in your sub-leader of Saturday, it was made abundantly clear at the council meeting that every possible avenue had been explored in an endeavour to avoid an increase in the rates; and that the expenditure referred to in the estimates could not be reduced without sacrificing essential services. That fact, moreover, was accepted by every member of the council, including those who belong to the Labour Party.
The, question which confronted the council was thus a simple one—should the council lace up to the position and budget to meet the additional revenue necessitated by rising costs, rising salaries., and by the huge incrense in the Hospital Boai-d's levy —or was it justified. in a time of comparative prosperity such as the pivsent. in carrying forward a deficit of over £20,000? Those councillors who had the courage to vote for-the increase in rates at the obvious price of their own popularity believed, as I believe, that to have done otherwise would have been financially unsound and politically immoral. Knowing the facts of the position T now know them. J consider the city is fortunate in having as councillors men who have the courage to stand by the election pledge of all candidates endorsed by the Citizens and Ratepayers' Association—that they, would "each act and vote in accordance with their individual judgment and conviction." Such men are badly needed in our civic—and national—life to-day. Long may they govern the destinies of Auckland!
E. Ham.f.v Df.vf.rf.tjx
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23082, 6 July 1938, Page 17
Word Count
329THE CITY RATES New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23082, 6 July 1938, Page 17
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