SOLDIERS' OVERDUE RATES.

Shannon News, 13 September 1921, Page 1

SOLDIERS' OVERDUE RATES.

A COUNTY COUNCIL’S COMPLAINT

The Eketahuna County Council brought under the notice of the Horowlienua Council at Saturday's . meeting the fact that it was practically impossible to collect rates from assisted soldier settlers should they hot wish to pay. The Eketahuna Council was in the unenviable position of being some £750 to the -bad on account of soldier I settlers failing to pay rates, and this year had to make' special provision, j when passing the estimated expendi- < ture, for this recurring debt. Under the Counties Act as it now stands the riding in which this settlement happens to be has to bear the whole cost, and the ratepayers naturally complain at having to bear the extra burden, which in the riding concerned meant an extra rate of &d in the £. The Council had done all it could legally, and by way of deputations to Ministers to recover the rates. As Parliament was to' meet in the near future, the Eketahuna Council asked the local Council to use its influence through its member to have this matter put on a satisfactory basis. The chairman (Cr. Monk) considered that it was very necessary that they should support the Eketahuna Council’s attitude, as Horowhenua was affected, though only in a small way. They should give the request every support, through their member in Parliament, pointing out that the riding affected in Eketahuna had to be specially rated by §d in the £. On the motion of Crs. McLeavey and Ryder, it was decided to act in the way suggested.