DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1928, Page 1

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association. HELP FOR AERO CLUR. BLENHEIM, July 18. A feature of the growth of the movement for civilization in Marlborough is the cordial support accorded the re-cently-formed Aero Club by local bodies. The Borough Council has placed a 30acre aerodrome at the Club’s disposal. -Marlborough County Council has undertaken roadiug access, and the Power Board has decided to accord the Club the light and power required.

SHIPPING SERVICE. DUNEDIN, July IS. To various South Island Chambers of Commerce, the Dunedin Chamber has addressed a letter on the possibility of a regular arid improved service between Melbourne, Hobart and the South Island. The letter states without subsidy there is little hope of an improved service, and suggests the Government be approached by South Island Chambers, with a view to providing a subsidy, together with Tasmania and A ictoria.

FIRE BOARD PROPOSAL. DUNEDIN, July IS. The Eire Board decided to apply to the Local Government Loan's Board for sanction to borrow £45,000 sterling by way of debenture issue for the erection of a new hie station, to cover over an acre.

RATING question. FEILDING, July 17. The Commission on Borough Rating continued to-day. The Chairman said the selection of Feilding would seem to have been determined by the fact that that borough has large areas of land of definite types, particularly farm lands. Feilding is central and is convenient for other local bodies affected by this question to make their submissions here, if they so desire. It is, therefore, a place in which the general principle of rating can well be investigated. It will probably be suggested that, if classification" or differential rating for farmlands ' in boroughs is not to be mnde the subject of general legislation (following an inquiry in siicli. case), then classification; or differential rating, should not be recommended in the case

of Feilding. That aspect we are prepared to consider. Tiie principle witness was Sir George Fields, who gave a comprehensive review of rating on unimproved values. He mentioned some Auckland eases where there were workers’ homes on land valued from £IOO to £2OO, the cottage being worth £SOO or £6OO, hut the owner probably paid two or three times as much in taxation than was just. He considered the rating value was on the site, and not on the improvements. He c-onsijered that rating on capital values was holding up progress in various boroughs.

FARMER'S DEATH. GISBORNE, July 18. James McKinley, farmer of Makaui, died in the hospital, where he was taken on Thursday when found ill a semi-conscious condition. After regaining consciousness on Sunday, deceased explained that while out riding lie suddenly felt giddy, and got off his horse and could not remember anything after that. An examination disclosed no injury which would have been received by a fall. An inquest will be held to-morrow.