CIVIC ECONOMY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16819, 23 August 1922, Page 6

CIVIC ECONOMY.

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —Might I suggest that the citizens of Christchurch should organise an economy campaign, in order to prevent our “ city fathers ” recklessly increasing expenditure year by year out of all proportion to the growth of the city. Wages have been reduced, the cost of living is alleged to be coming down, yet our rates are going up. How in the name of goodness can we expect rents to be reduced if all the time rates are going to be increased? !t may be argued that the increase iu the case of residential properties is very slight, but the point to consider, chiefly, is that an increase has taken place where a ieduction might reasonabl> have been expected. There appear to be far too many demands on the civic purse for public enarrevss. These charities are. no doubt, verv worthy of assistance, but they should find other means of raising funds instead of being a continual drain on the rates. The Progress League contribution is also rather on the large side, and 1 would like to suggest that the league should endeavdur to relieve the ratepayers by organising a membership campaign. This would get the people interested in the league, and should have good results. Then we see a big increase in ou»* works expenditure, while the results to many of the ratepayers are disappointing I live in a portion of the city where the streets and footpaths are in a shocking condition. There are potholes everywhere, and in wet weather it is difficult to keep dry feet. These conditions go on year after year, with occasionally a load of metal spread over the worst portions. Our main thoroughfares are pretty good, but better attention should be given to tho side streets. Not being an expert, I can’t say whether there is anything wrong with our system of street maintenance, but I don’t feel very satisfied. I would like to see every item of expenditure carefully scrutinised and less spent on the frills and more on the work for which the council primarily exists—namely, care of our streets.—l am, etc., NORTH-EAST. August 22 1922.