The Star. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1922. PAYMENT OF RATES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16919, 19 December 1922, Page 6

The Star. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1922. PAYMENT OF RATES.

The City Council did not exactly don sackcloth and ashes last evening when discussing its ill-advised threat to sue for rates, but it indicated that it was sorry it had spoken. Tfc© tact is that the council made a mistake, and the indications are that it does not intend to sue unless as a last resort The statement made by the Deputy-Mayor showed that the money is required, and he made out a good case for the earlier payment of rates. The ratepayers have had the benefit of nine mouths’ services, and reasonable people will admi„ that they should pay at least fifty- per cent of their rates before the whole amount for twelve months is due. The mistake lay in a threat to enforce pay ment without adequately preparing the ratepayers to meet an earlier demand than is usually made. The year com mence.s ou April 1. hut it is September before the rate demands are issued. The policy in the past has been lenient, the council being well satisfied if rates were paid by an advertised date in March. The ratepayers have been used to this procedure, and it is hardly fair to shock them out of the groove with »; charge of dynamite in the shape of a summons It is evident, however, -that the system will have io be changed, and the council would do well if it gave the subject further consideration. It was mentioned that in Wellington the council issued six-monthly notices. That is better than an annual notice, but it can still be improved on. Tt is difficult for many small ratepayers to find a lump sum of from £lO to £ls in January, February or March, but they could find three or four pounds each quarter. A monthly demand might involve too much clerical work to be worth while, but a quarterly demand would ease the burden both for the- ratepayer and the council. Wc are glad that the council has practically abandoned its throat to sue, hut itv can rely on the support- nt the citizens if it decides to improve the existing system.