RATES ON CROWN LANDS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 134, 1 March 1919, Page 3

RATES ON CROWN LANDS

Delegates from tho Upper Hutt Town Board,--Hutt County Council;' Lower Hutt Borotigh Council, and Petone Borough Council met the Hutt 'River Board in conference at the Hutt Borough Council Chambers this week, to consider the question of the payment of rates by ; tho Government 011 Crown lands. Mr.' It. Baldwin, chairman of the River Board, presided. Mr. E. P. Bunny, solicitor to the River Board, explained that under the Act passed in 1906 the Government was liable for the payment of special rates, but not general rates, on all lands that were then paying special rates, but not on' any land since acquired by the Government. The town clerk, Petone, oxpkined the position as it affected Petone. Mr, E. P. Rishworth, Mayor of Lower Hutt, said that as far as ho could gather the Hutt Borough was not materially affected. At tho present time the Government had only about .£7BO of valuation that came directly this question _ i-.f special rating. If they could by joining together get a deputation to the. Minister, and have the position recognised that the Government was entitled to pay general rates on property bo taken, then it would become a material matter to them. They were prepared to support tho River Board in watching this matter. and if necessary going to tho Minister along with other local bodies involved. Councillor Cox, Petone, considered the suggestion to form a deputation to wait 011 the Minister a good one. The Petone Borough Council had carefully considered tho matter, and tried to get some easement in the matter of rates from Crown lands, and personally ho thought it would bo better if tho local bodies right throughout New-Zealand approached the Government to amend that legislation. It was only fair tin,t.when tlw Government acquired land for special purposes, and they failed to carry out tho purposes for which that land was acquired, they should pay rates on it. Petone suffered to a great extent from tho nonpayment of rates by the Government, their rating area was only 455 aorcs, and practically adjacent to that area was G1 acres free from rates. If rotes had been paid on that property during the last ten years Petone would bo in a much better position to-day. Mr. Bunny suggested that they should approach the Secretary of Lands, as ho had expressed a desire to confer with local bodies on this matter. Councillor Ccx thought it would be as well to confe' 1 with the Secretary of Lands before approaching the Minister. After some further discussion it was decided on the motion of Mr. Baldwin that arrangements be made to interview the Secretary of Lands in reference to this matter.