ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IX, Issue 2840, 2 March 1885, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE OAMAETT MATL. Sir, —Truly this is a happy country ! A hard-working man who, by economy in the past, may.have bean able to acquire a bit of land whereon to build a home for himself and family, and so get free from rent, has no sooner done so, than he becomes liable for all sorts of rates and taxes, from which a more improvident man is free. I see the Harbor Board, County Council, and Road Boards are indignant because their rates are not paid when they demand them, and are going to sue for them .forthwith. They are mostly composed of .men who are comparatively well to do, and probably think all are as well able to pay as themselves. But how about those who have been out of employment for months perhaps; or at most are just able to provide food for their children, to Bay nothing of clothing, &c, . &c. ? Is it not hard on such men to be called upon to pay rates and taxes from which they receive no benefit that lean see. What is it to such a man that the Elderelie can take away 25,000 of the squatters'sheep, or the Indus take away a cargo of their horses and cattle ? they get the money, and they take care to stick to it. Then.if he is so doubly unfortunate as to possess a town section and cottage he comes in for more rates with a vengeance. He wishes to let it perhaps, and if fortunate jnough to do so for, say, 8« a week he think* it will be a considerable addition to his income, buthe soon finds that a vain delusion. The Corporation put in their claim for a fifth of it, and won't be denied ;. the Harbor Board demand their share ; insurance and repairs lessen the amount, to say nothing of depreciation in value, and what has he left ? Little or nothing; arid the satisfaction of knowing that if he wish to sell but he can't, unless he give it away for a song. It is no wonder men are volunteering-: for the Soudan ; they are lucky to be able to get away at all. lam convinced many would lose no time in clearing out of this if they were not so firmly anchored by family ties and unsaleable property. . I am, &0., Ratepayer.