OPERA HOUSE RATES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 August 1938, Page 5

OPERA HOUSE RATES

DEPUTATION TO BOROUGH COUNCIL “CASE OF MUTUAL ASSISTANCE” MEETING FAVOURS REMISSION Provided the Audit Department raises no objection the Masterton Borough Council, as the result of a decision at last night’s meeting, will write off the rates owing on the Opera House for the current year. The amount involved is about £4O. The decision was the outcome of a discussion with a deputation from the Trust Lands Trust, which waited on last night's meeting of the council. The speakers who placed the position of the Trust before the council and urged that the rates be remitted were Messrs E. G. Eton, A. O. Jones and R. Krahagan. They pointed out that there was a deficit of about £350 in the Opera House account, and said that any contribution by the council should be regarded in a spirit of brotherhood or community service. After the deputation had withdrawn, the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, pointed out that when the council wrote off the Opera House rates last year he had expressed doubts as to whether they had the power to do so. The Audit Inspector had not been round since then. The grounds for\writing off rates were cases of extreme poverty. Councillor H. E. Gardner said that while he regretted that the Trust should be saddled with a commuunity hall that was unprofitable, they had to remember that the council had three community halls of its own that were built out of loan money and not paid for yet. “It is not right to write off rates on a hall that is competing with our own,” he added and moved that the council regretted that it could not see its way clear to make any rebate in the Opera House rates. This motion was not seconded, and Councillor W. Kemp then moved that the rates be written off provided the Audit Department raised no objection. Councillor W. White seconded the motion. Councillor G. W. Morice said the Opera House should be the responsibity of the whole of the ratepayers. He • favoured making a rebate in the rates. “I realise that it is a community affair,” remarked Councillor G. D. Wilson, “but with everyone coming at us for the free use of the halls, and with appeals from everywhere, I feel we might be putting too' much of a burden on the ratepayers.” Mr Jordan said there was a lot in what Councillor Gardner said. There was no doubt, but that the Opera House was competing with the Municipal Halls. Looking at it from a community point of view, there might be some reason to remit the rates if they had the power. At the same time he felt that all functions relating to the municipality should be held in the Municipal Hall. Councillor Trevor Beetham: “If it is possible to be heard.” Mr Jordan: “Yes, I realise that was the reason for the council candidates speaking at the Opera House. Councillor A. D. Low: “I am in favour of remitting the rates on the grounds of community of interest.” Councillor Trevor Beetham recalled that there had been considerable agitation for the council to take over control of the Opera House some time ago, and he thought the ratepayers should thank the past council for not doing so, as it would not have been an asset. It would be nice to help the Trust, but it was also nice to keep the rates in order. Councillor Gardner: “Last time the rates were written off the voting was very close. What has happened to change your minds since then, except that you have got the election over?” Mr Jordan: .“Since then the Trust has offered us the use of the Opera House when we want it. I think it is a case of mutual assistance.” The motion was carried, Councillor Gardner asking to have his vote recorded against the motion.