GOVERNMENT LANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 July 1915, Page 4

GOVERNMENT LANDS.

QUESTION" Ob' HATING TliliM. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, J.JIs( \ight. 1 ho question wheiher ( lie <Sovorninent should pay rules l„ local bodies on Crown lauds within suck local bodies' boundaries was dealt with at the conference of the Wellington suburban borough councils to-day. : Mr. J. W. Alflvw;))), 'Mmvijr of Petone, presided. lie considered that the Govei'ninent should jjity rates upon all lands owned by it and coming' witlliu the jurisdiction nl local bodies with certilin exceptions which In.- enumerated. These included land upon which buildings util l ised for public purposes were erected, such as drill balls, court-houses, public schools, etc. He contended also that when the Government acquired a large block of land for settlement purposes it should recognise that it was entering into competition with private enterprise, anil should pa.' rates accordingly. Tn ('clone the Kiovernment o\vned laud vained ut somewhere nvar £41,000, and tin; rates lost by the Ilutt Hiver Board 011 this account totalled about £IOOO a year. On 11 broad principle the Government should place itself in the same position as individuals and pay rates.

After discussion, it was decided that a deputation should approach the Premier on the subject, and that the Municipal Association be asked to assist. 'The meeting was also of the opinion that the Government should pay ratej upon all lands acquired by it for the .purpose* of workers' homes, but that land occupied for drill balls, post offices, court-houses am! schools should be exempted. ,