“DOWN SOUTH.”

Southland Times, Issue 22009, 8 May 1933, Page 4

“DOWN SOUTH.”

To the Editor. Sir.—At the last meeting of the South Invercargill Borough Council, Mr McChesney is reported to have stated that the borough finances were in a healthy state. They really should be when we consider the fact that the general rate in the Outer Ward has risen 37£ per cent., and the Inner Ward general rate by 75 per cent., since he was first returned for Mayor in the South Council. In addition large sums in subsidies have been received from the Main Highways Board and spent on two of the main highways of the borough. His Worship in his comments tells us the general rate has remained the same for the past five years. Then in the same breath tells us, or at least leaves us to infer that the relief work is responsible for our present high rates; but we find on his own statement that the rate we are now paying was struck years prior to any relief work being done in this borough. The point is that our rates have consistently risen, whilst the Mother Boxough, with other local authorities has been’substantially reduced. The ratepayers down south are not a satisfied body in any way, at the moment somewhat apathetic perhaps, but far from The reference to the Unemployment Board’s foreman is somewhat amusing, as a glance at the balance-sheets will reveal who pays the foreman, and who employs him. The legislation recently passed with regard to the conversion of local body loans will decidedly bring relief to the burdened ratepayers.—l am, etc., F. C. JONES. South Invercargill.