RATE COLLECTING TROUBLES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10039, 13 July 1910, Page 6

RATE COLLECTING TROUBLES.

COMPULSORY NOTICE OF SALES.' At the maeting of the Masterton County Council, yesterday, a circular letter was received from the Bruce County Council, enclosing a copy of the following resolution:— "That in order to facilitate the collectiou of rates and minimise the loss, inconvenience and friction caused under existing conditions, the Bruce County Council respectfully requests the Government to amend the Rating Act by making it compulsory upon conveyancers or owners to give written notice to the local authorities of every change of ownership or occupancy of rateable property within the County." It was pointed out that as a rule the local authorities are not notified of such changes, consequently the necessary alterations are not made on the roll, Uemand notices are in due course posted according to the entries on the roll, and it is not until proceedings for recovery of rates are threatened that the explanation is made, with the result that the Clerk is compelled to send out a fresh notice. The suggested amendment would reduce clerical work and cost of collection, and obviate much friction and confusion. The co-operation of ttie Masterton Ciunty C .uncil was asked in the matter.

The County Clerk, Mr F. .G Moore, reported that the state of affairs mentioned by the Bruce County Council occasionally occurred. He did not see what further provision- the Government could make in the matter. As tbo law stood now, if a person did v< x ■ otify a Council witbin a cerUi- period that he had disposed of his property he was liable for the rates so long as his name appeared on the roli, He, himself, had never had any trouble in the matter. It was resolved to notify the Bruce County Council that the Masfcerton County Council had experienced no trouble in respect to the matter complained of.