RICCARTON AND THE CITY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17346, 29 September 1924, Page 7

RICCARTON AND THE CITY.

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —I hope that the ratepayers will not be influenced by the idea, or rather, chimera, that by joining the city they will get something for nothing. It is a certainty that their rates will be greatly increased, and that they will only receive any capital expenditure by- means of local loans secured by special local rates. “ Progress ” and those who hold his views would soon find that though beaten with w-hips now they would then be chastised with scorpions. Mr Ford knows of many in another district who would gladly' revert to the old local control. I can confirm this statement with regard to the block between Woodham Road and the Avon, where a reversion to countyadministration would be heartily- welcomed. In another area which was added to the city two or three years ago, a poll if taken now would have a different result. Not to fill your space unduly' I will mention just one case. For the year 1922-23, the county’s demand totalled £2 15s 3d. For 1923-21 the city’s demand, on the same valuation. was £5 11s 9d i The county's total included, rate on a local loan 5s Sd and Drainage Board's rate 4s fid. But the city immediately' struck a rate on the same old loan of £1 Is lOd, and increased the Drainage Board rate to 9s lid ! The city’s action seems to a mere layman to be illegal, in increasing the rate on the loan by 300 per cent. Payment has been made under protest, and the Question may y r et be raised in a court of law, no explanation having been vouchsafed in reply to inquiries.—l am, etc., FAIR DEALING.