ARE RATES TOO HIGH?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 229, 23 October 1940, Page 4

ARE RATES TOO HIGH?

*1 SOME COMPARISONS MADE QUESTION OF THE 10% PENALTY * . ■ r ~~~ - When a resolution of the *■'. Finance Committeei that the 10 per cent penalty on 1939-40 rates should be written off in three cases was considered by \ the County Council yesterday, the matter developed into a question of County rates as a : whole, with comparisons being made with other counties: It was stated during the discussion that were Harbour and! Native rates not carri'ed by the County, the rates would be 1/5 less.. . , ' ■ - . ~j, "Is it becoming a habit?" "asked --. Cr Lux ton, when the subject came tip. The Chairman' that the applicants to was, made would be advised that it wouldbe the last occasion upon which the concession would be given. "It is the last time," he said, "because we have other people to consider." "The . trouble," said Cr McGougan, "is that our rates are too high. . - They are getting beyond a joke, and it is a matter that Ave will have to go into. Why they are so high, I do not know." Ensuring Payment. \ "My sentiments, too," agreed Cr McCready; "with a good deal added. * The 10 per cent penalty is absolutely unfair and later on I will move for a reduction. The principle is as / rotten as the Rural Housing Scheme. . ■ You are not giving the ratepayers - > any encouragement to pay, especi- i ally the Maoris, Our rates are treble those in the Waikato." Cr McCready instanced a farm at Matamata, this farm having the ; same valuation as his property. The IVlatamata farmer paid £26 per an* num in rates, while, said the councillor, he.had to pay £80. The Chairman said that the rates had been much higher, with Cr Wardlaw remarking on the peak year of 1928-29. Cr Smith was of the oj>inion that a penalty was necessary to ensure the payment of the rates. A reduction in the. rates was certainly desirable and one of the largest factors to assist that reduction would be the prompt payment of rates by everyone. ' The Difference Explained. Cr McCrcady: Two-thirds of' our rating costs is in interest and sinking fund. The Chairman: I cannot see how / you can avoid it. Cr McCready: It should be altered. The Chairman: You mean to re-» pudiate the debts? Cr McCready: No, I would not go so far as that. J ) The County Clerk, respecting the: • V : reference to a Matamata property said that county did not have Native or Harbour rates and a com-* parison in bridges could not Be made. The Whakatane County. had worked on 6 per cent loan' money on formation, while other counties, particularly Matamata, had been established and had been in a position to take advantage of subsidies! for roads. If this county were not carrying Native and Harbour rates, the rates would be one-third less. It was observed by the chairman,, :n concluding the discussion, and ipropos bridges, that the Rangitaiki listrict had more bridges than any iimilar area in the Dominion.