PISE DE TERRE AND THE RATES.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOIt."]
Sin,—It would seem that the cost of carrying out housing schemes is to fall on the rates, and that the already hardpressed ratepayers must look forward to a great increase in existing charges. This will mean in too many instances the proverbial last straw. Of that there need be no doubt; they will be pressed out of existence. The rates in two Welsh towns have risen to 18s. 8d. and 22s. ed. respectively. For Poole they already reach upwards of 9s. The other day it was publicly announced here by several highly responsible persons that when the housing scheme put forward matures we must expert the rate to be doubled practically. State Socialism with a vengeance! It was suggested that this menace should be met, so far as it could be, by equalizing the rate for the whole county, so that one part of it was not unfairly mulcted; but I would still further suggest that some restraint be imposed on Local Authorities, and that they should be compelled to use the building material, Pied de Terre, which articles appearing in the Spectator prove to be a highly efficacious and economic substitute for stone or brick.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Chichele, Parkstone, Dorset. JAS. STANLEY LITTLE.
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