local Authorities either to propose out-
5. My observations were to carry always well. I received, and, with few exceptions, they appeared that to be considered satisfactory; that is to say, although those to whom I addressed myself appeared still to consider the rates too high, they were totally unprepared to recommend any remedy, save that of a general reduction. The difficulty of altering the system and of reducing the rents, are, I would with great respect observe, so fully stated in Your Lordships' reply, that it is not in my power to suggest any feasible amendment.
6. There have been, moreover, two Plans only pointed out to me: one is to take up each individual case, where complaint has been made – I can only remark that there were but a dozen persons professing to be aggrieved, this would be practicable; -half of the Community would, undoubtedly, if the subject were deemed an end, consider themselves in this position, scarcely observe that this plan could not be adopted; and that even, if it were, the final arrangement would in all likelihood prove highly unsatisfactory, as it would be impossible, with a due respect to the rights of Government, to meet the claims and demands that, under such circumstances, would be advanced.
The other is to reduce the whole of the present rates by a certain percentage, say 25 per Cent. This plan would certainly put a stop to the clamour that would inevitably be raised against the Person charged to carry out the first suggestion, stated above; but it would not either afford ultimate satisfaction, nor would it work justly in its operations. Some parties, in my judgment, do pay too high a rate, and if their rents could be reduced
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