LOCAL RATES.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19162, 19 November 1927, Page 17

LOCAL RATES.

EXEMPTED PROPERTIES. (PRESS ISSOCUTIOK TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, November 18. Speaking at a meeting in connexion with loan proposals, the Mayor (Mr G. A. Troup) referred to the unimproved value of Government properties in Wellington from which the City Council derived no rates. At a low estimate the figures were something between £8,000,000 and £5,000,000. If the Government paid rates on the present basis the City Council would receive a sum approximating £25.000. At present the Council received an annual payment of a little over £4OO on account of properties in the nature of business concerns. The City Council could do nothing just now, but after the new valuation was completed it was possible the Council could take the matter up with the Government with a view to some readjustment. Mr Troup said he did not profess to know anything of the position in other cities, but he pointed out that Wellington's position as Government headquarters, which necessitated besides Parliament buildings and Government oflices, the headquarters of the Public Trust, Railways, etc. Government House, Ministerial residences, and other property.