THE PROPOSED TOWN DISTRICT.

Waikato Independent, Volume V, Issue 328, 24 January 1907, Page 5

THE PROPOSED TOWN DISTRICT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I should like to ask Mr Bailey what sane person will remove and break up a home to live in Cambridge West, when the two sides will be one in two years unless we form a town district. Mr Bailey says we cannot manage this form of government. Well, that is quite true if there are many like himself. His remarks on finance are wild. He seems to have a natural tendency to make black white, and white black. He tells us that a +d rate on £30,000 produces £62, subsidy (5d in the £) £ls, rents from municipal reserves, etc., £l2, I am informed that about £ls of the ratepayers’ money has been spent in cutting noxious weeds on municipal reserves. Now, I consider it is far better to form a local governing body, take over these reserves, do something with them for the good of the district, and save the ratepayers’ money. If we do not, Government will pass legislation and hand the control of the reserves, and us as well, over to other people. And quite right, too. Mr Bailey says there are a number of roads kept in repair by the general fund of the Road Board. My informant says there are only two roads, but of course those who are getting up the agitation to prevent local government say there are many roads. Mr Bailey is wrong in regard to the contribution to the cost of the high level bridge, as the calaulations are based on a Is 6d special rate on the £IOO capital value of the Pukekura Road District. I may state that had it not been for Mr James Keeley’s effort in sloping that per cent allocation (special) being placed on Cambridge West, those inside the township would be paying 2s special rate for the bridge, and those outside, Is for every £IOO capital value. The solicitor’s letter does not apply or suit the circumstances as applying to Cambridge West ratepayers. The ratepayers are entirely at the mercy of the Pukekura Road Board. Any ratepayer or person who can get up a petition of ratepayers of say 10, 20 or upwards to the Board can decide either way whether a poll should be taken, but the poll must be two-thirds in favour to carry the proposal.—l am, etc. Householder, No. 2.