BOROUGH MATTERS.

Otaki Mail, 5 July 1933, Page 3

BOROUGH MATTERS.

(To tho Editor). Sir, in tho “Oftiki Mail’' rend us follows: (.‘Occupiers of farm lands in Borough (over throe acrid-) uro invited to attend a special mooting ol .(Council ou Friday, June JUth, for the purpose of discussing the question of ■valuation of . their lands." This reads like a round table conference, but I, liko others attended, expecting same, but only to find that wo were to be taken in to the meeting singly, then ‘‘quizzed” as to our idea of our unimproved values, and asked if certain reductions would satisfy us—a most ungentlemanly proceeding and most unworthy of our City Fathers. We were hoaxed and as I understand ‘‘the game is likely to bo played aagin.” I haste to warn the other ratepayers of the unjust, and, to my idea, uncalled for action of .councillors. Ratepayers are gentlemen and expect to bo treated as such, and, if our Cofincil want to be fair let them play the game with all and tell us what the Urban Lands, Act contains, and then get a competent valuer to go and valuo our lands as farm lands, and do the'square thing by us. My rates amount to approximately two pounds per acre which is a rental, apart from interest. Times are not normal and remarks such as passed and circulated at a meoting iu Levin last week re Otaki's state, do more harm than good. Let our Council try and get interest on our sewerage and water loan reduced, and maintain our streets and footpaths according to rates able to be paid. Many ratepayers are far worse off than tho unemployed but do not advertise their distress but plod on hoping for better times to corno again. Our Council must be considerate and do their business openly—not us at 1* rulay s meeting. If they considered our feelings they would lot us know who i\as responsible for Friday's schemes. I am sure every one who attended went away disgusted, and 1 write this to-warn others who arc expected to call and bo put through the same unfair ordeal. Why not call a meeting-and put their cards on the table and play tho game by us.—Yours, etc., JOHN C. MEYER.