RATES ON TIMBER

Hokitika Guardian, 11 September 1926, Page 2

RATES ON TIMBER

CHANGE IN VALUATION BILL. WELLINGTON, September 9. During discussion early this morning on the remaining business before Parliament- the Hot). A. I). Al’l.eod. -Minister of Lands, mentioned that there had been a number of objections to the Valuation of Lands Act Amendment Rill, and it was evident it could not pass in its present shape this session. The main clause was inserted at tho request of local bodies, as a result of a Supreme Court decision relieving standing timber of liability for local rates. The clause would have reinstated the position existing before the judgment, but he could see there would be difficulty in securing an easy course for the Bill. He would make this clause apply for tlie current year. In connection with and suplenientary to tlie above the Hon. A. D. Al'Leod. Alinister in Charge of the Valuation Department, advised Air AY. Jeffries, County Chairman, yesterday, as follows

“Re your telegram (sth inst.. A’alnations of Land Bill Amendment to provide for County Councils collecting rates on standing timber for current year, passed committee stage, and will probably be dealt with finally to-day. As soon as it becomes law the YaluerGenerul will communicate with all County Councils concerned' regarding the reinstatement of timber values on valuation rolls. The matter will he looked into further during the recess.” In regard to this matter it appears a late Supreme Court decision affected the rating of standing timber, and a validating bill was prepared to remedy the matter. It came to the knowledge of the AVestland County Council that tl'e bill was likely to he dropped, and if not passed the local body would lose about- £3OO in rates,, while there would have been a revision of the hospital board levy to relieve the County Council, a process which would have thrown a greater liability on the Borough Councils in the West-land district. But all local bodies were affected where there was standing timber to be rated, and realising the position, AH Jeffries, County Chairman, at once communicated with the Government and the member for ’the District, and at- the same time advised other local bodies to act similarly. The result appears to be so far satisfactory and important revenue is therefore saved to the local bodies liv the prompt action, blit for which the legislation might have been dropped this session.