CROWN AND NATIVE LAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2106, 14 June 1907, Page 2

CROWN AND NATIVE LAND.

LIABILITY EOIt lIAEBO RE ATE. : Alter the Enabling Bill had been ’approved by the Harbor Board yesterday, Mr. Lysnar raised the question whether Crown and Native land was not rateable under that measure. Under the old Harbor Act, Mr. Witty informed him, the Board collected rating on £1,149,000 worth of such proporty. It was, therefore, necessary to ha ve provision made in . the now Bill for continuing to collect such rates. The altered condition of things regarding rating on Native land would have to ho looked into when framing a clause. Ho was of opinion that the Government had power to pay rates on Native land as under the old Act.

The Chairman agreed that the matter., should be looked into, but he held out very little hope of success. Since the rate was imposed there had been considerable legal changes. The Board were within an ace of being deprived of the. rates on Native land when the new Act was passed j indeed, formal notice of discontinuance was given. The Board, however, pointed out one clause whereby it should be retained,-and the Government agreed to pay the rate 'on those Native lands included in the security for loans. • Mr. Matthewson said the latter was an argument that still held, good. Mr. Lysnar agreed. He - mentioncd that the Government goods all came over the wharf free. The Board should try and collect a fair share of rates, at least. : The Board referred tlie matter to a committee, wlf will consult with the’ solicitors.