THAT WATER RATE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 21, 22 May 1912, Page 5

THAT WATER RATE.

(To the Editor “Stratford Post.”)

Sir, —Perusing your report under the above heading, one cannot help being impressed with the soundness n<

the .Mayor’s contention for reduction of the water rate so that it will be sufficient only for payment of interest. 1 his Worship desires to maintain the confidence of the ratepayers he wil. keep well on this track, for even ratepayers get tired of humbugs. Wit) each succeeding loan that it is desired to raise we have the plausible tale that tiie rate will not need to be struck, owing to certain earnings and saving; due do the special keenness of tin Councillors. Are these rates struck! Of course, every time. Here is an in-

stance, where the water rate account is in credit to the extent of £932 on (>. King's showing, this said balance being accredited to extraordinary re venue from water supply—to wit, water power, etc. If Cr. King is earnest in olds matter, why not make the supply such that it would oust its rival—electric motor;' If Councillors would devote their attention to> the ratepayers’ affairs and leave private concerns co attend their own, ratepayers would bo more impressed with *the earnest ness of Councillors. Then it was urged by other Councillors that they were satisfied with the present rate, and would gladly have the surplus revenue used to give others the same privileges as themselves. Is this compatible with the fact that £422 was transferred to general account —a veryqnes tionable proceeding? If the water rate account was credited with 5 per cent, per annum interest on the £982 there would he ample revenue, with the Mayor’s proposed rate, plus extraordinary revenue, to see all contingencies through on water account. I take it that the £982 is saving interest on an equal amount of overdraft at the bank, if not earning interest to be placed to water rate account. Ratepayers have had quite sufficient piffle and arrant nonsense. Had Cr. King attended I,lie meeting when the Mayor moved his motion, he would he keep ng Faith with the ratepayers, and such a •.light as Monday could have been devoted to useful and progressive work, instead of the old lais.se/ faire policy. I am, etc., N'E.MO.