ROYALTIES PAYMENTS

Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1924, Page 2

ROYALTIES PAYMENTS

PROVISION IN FINANCE BILL

.Mr .T. O’Brien M.P.. wired to the County Clerk last night as follows:—“Mr Massey has just agreed to insert a clause iu the Finance Bill giving timber royalties to Local Bodies. No details of amount yet.”

Mr O’Brien has been thanked for the information conveyed and his action in the matter appreciated, lie has been asked to advise details of the Government proposals as soon as available. Judging from the discussion at the County Council meeting yesterday, the news conveyed above will be appreciated greatly. A later message from Mr O’Brien leccivcd to-day says:

“Am given to understand clause iu Finance Bill provides ball' revenue to Counties from timber under

Lands Department, anil one fifth of the royalties from timber cut from Forestry lands. Sir F. 1). Bell states this arrangement .will give local bodies more money than they ever received before. Any continued opposition w ill cause government to drop the clause. Would be pleased to have your opinion.”

With respect to the foregoing the County Chairman (Mr Wells) conferred with the town memlters and refilled to Mr O’Brien pointing out that the local bodies receive already halves of royalties from the Lands Department. Further. that the payment from the Forestry Department was considered very small, and that Councillors thought the quota should be increased to two fifths or one quarter at least, hut leaving the matter of any compromise to the discretion of Air O’Brien.