Rating Thames Borough

Thames Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9976, 24 June 1901, Page 4

Rating Thames Borough

Though the ma'cter of rating on unimproved values has. not yet been , formally brought before the residents of iTiames and particularly the rate-j payers the question is receiving considerable attention, and informal dis-' ciissions have.frequently taken as ro' the effects upon the Thames district. f 4 .gentleman, who has given the measure a considerable amount *of attention was referring to the probable introduction of the system in the district, and its effects upon the Borough finances. "There is an idea prevalent" he said, "that 'die rating' on unimproved values is going to' relieve the majority and jthat the holders of vacant sections "will be! compelled to make good the balance. | Those who have effected improve-' mente will certainly come . off best, but in some* instances the improvements on oneportibnof a partly im'prbved are| will just: about counterbalance the esftra imposition in the other case. Take North Ward for instance. The proprietors of the foundry will have considerable re|liefj{ but I question, whether; they ptiave any burning desire to see an alterrttion effe<&ed. It is usually ;ihe small ratepayer who is so fond of suggesting alterations, not the large "ratepayer who I recognises as a business man that the municipality muafc have sufficient funds for the maintenance and o&rryitLg on of public works. And if by reductions of any ki^d whatsoever the revenue is decreased what must be done—the .rates . must be increased prpportionatelf' and the deficency made good. There are two sides to every question; even to that of rating on unimproved values, and in our enthusiastic advocetey of changes and changes we are occasionally apt to forget the fact."