URBAN FARMS RATING.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 216, 12 September 1929, Page 13

URBAN FARMS RATING.

Concern was expressed at tlie Birkenhead Borough Council meeting last evening regarding the possible effect on that borough should the Urban Farms Rating Bill become law. A copy of the bill was forwarded by Mr. 11. G. R. Mason, M.P.

Mr. J. Kerruish maintained that the application of the principle would hit Birkenhead hard in respect to its revenue from rates, as the commission which could he set up under the suggested legislate would prove to be all-powerful in dictating how rates were to be levied. Mr. J. C. Alexander said if equitable readjustments were made, the proposals might greatly benefit Birkenhead. Mr. Kerruish said if land outside the populated area was to be substantially relieved of rates, the position would be created that facilities such as good roads could not be provided to the outskirts.

Mr. W. B. Darlow said rates on some of the little farms at Birkdale had been tabled under the unimproved values system. The bill mipht bring relief in such eases. He did not think the borough would lose much if the bill became law.

The Mayor, Mr. McPhail, said suburban farm land was valued as such at present, and the valuation might be £40 per acre as against £400 in the residential area.

•The measure was considered of vital importance to Birkenhead, and was referred to the finance and legal committee for a raport