UNFAIR RATING SYSTEM

Wanganui Chronicle, 11 May 1948, Page 4

UNFAIR RATING SYSTEM

Sir—l should like to point out some unfair aspects of the rating system. The Government pays rates on State houses and some other State properties, but does not pay any on some of its properties in the best city situations. I shdtild like to know why not. Then again, a certain rate is levied on a house property without regard to the number of people who occupy it. For instance, I used to own two houses next door to each other, the rates on each property being £24 per annum. One of these was occupied by 24 people, while the other was occupied by onlv two! Indirectly the tenant paid the rates —in the firs< house £1 each; in the second £l2 each Yet they ail had the benefit of the same municipal services. The City Council has not the funds to keep in orde? our roads, trams, parks, sewerage system, etc. The position is becoming worse, so I suggest that a meeting of representatives of all towns in New Zealand should be called to discuss whether all rates, instead of a portion of them, as at present, should be provided by the Government. If this system were adopted rents could be reduced and persons at present employed in rate offices could find more useful employment.—l am, Btc. W. H. BATES.