THE CITY RATES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10104, 16 March 1911, Page 3

THE CITY RATES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The following notices hsvvo appeared in the morning papers, the first on March 8. and the second on March 15:—" Additional charge of 10 per cent on iates.—lt is hereby publicly notified, in pursuance of the provision of Section 28 of the "Rating Amendment Act, 1910," that an additional charge of 10 per cent will be added to all rates unpaid at the expiration of six months and fourteen days from the demand thereof. By order. H. R. Smith, Town Clerk, Christchurch, ,21st February, 1911." "Unpaid rates—lt is hereby publicly notified that legal proceedings will be taken to recover all rates remaining unpaid on the 3st instant. H. R. Smith, Town- Clerk, Christchurch, 9th March, 1911." 1 wish to call the rateyapers attention to the alteration, and the wording of the notice. Why the alteration at all? According to the Act (first notice) my rates are not finally due until April 13. Now, I am told by the town clerk that unless paid by March 31 legal proceedings will be taken. 1 presume other ratepayers are similarly situated. There certainly is a difference between the first and second notices, namely, tho first mentions that " 10 per cent will be added to the rates unpaid at the expiration of six months and fourteen days from tho demand thereof," while the second says, " that legal proceedings will be taken to recover all rates remaining unpaid on March 31." Nothing about 10 per cent added. But, sir, should it not have been worded "after March 31," not- "on March 31?" Is this another farce over again with reference to the noisy Square resolutions? My notico is dated October 13, 1910, and an additional charge of 10 per centum for not having paid within six months. Rates may be sued for at any time after fourteen days from date hereof.—l am, etc..BURGESS.