Every one is talking about the abnormal rise in the
London rates. An analysis compiled by the London Municipal Society shows that in 12 boroughs where the Labour Party has majorities the average rise, as compared with last year, has boon Os. 5id. In three boroughs dominated by Labour members and Progres- sives the average rise has been 6s. 7d. On the other hand, the average increase in the rates of 11 municipal boroughs controlled by the Municipal Reformers has been lls. 11 id. Rates an taxes ; and the local additions thus made to the national taxes which we all have to pay are terrific. 'The best that we can hope for from the catastrophe is that ratepayers will become loss apathetic. The burden is made for their backs by the men whom they return to power. They cannot complain if they let spend. thrifts into office through not taking the trouble to oppose them. On the average only one in four electors votes at a municipal election. The Labour triumphs at the last municipal elections were in a sense well deserved because Labour worked hard to procure them. But before long the popular party at municipal elections will not be that which promises all kinds of flashy Jack Cade schemes, but that which promises a reduction lo rates.
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