TRAM TRACKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 191, 15 August 1939, Page 10

TRAM TRACKS.

BURDEN OF RATES.

EXEMPTION SOUGHT.

LOCAL BODY OPPOSITION,

Opposition to a proposal by the Auckland Transport Board to seek legislation to secure exemption of rating on tram tracks was shown at a conference of representatives of Auckland bK-al bodies at the Town Hall to-day, and it was decided that when the Transport Board's local bill is introduced into Parliament that it will be opposed. The Mayor of Auckland. Sir Ernest Davis, presided, and said the conference had been called in view of the board's action. A letter from the board was read stating thut 44 miles of double track was involved, and that the capital cost of the paving was £151.45"2. There was an annual saving to the local bodies of £20.023. The rate* amounted to £.">6()0 annually. The Town Clerk. Mr. .7. Moiling, in a report, expressed the view that there did not appear to be any justification for altering the present law. Sir Krnest Davis moved that iTie pro posiil was not fair or equitable to the local bodies, and that it be opposed. The motion wit* supported by representatives of Mount Albert. Mount Eden. One Tree Hill and Newmarket Borough Councils. Mr. H. A. Yocknev said that Onohunga Borough Council would not support the motion.

Simple Justice. Mr. .7. A. C. Allum said that had he had his way the matter would have com,, up years ago. The legal position was doubtful, but the matter was one of simple justice and it couid not be claimed that the board should pay rates. Auckland was the only city in New Zealand where rates were being paid on tram tracks. The board had never for a share of the petrol tax paid to the local bodies. There had always been a strong body of opinion on the

board that the rates should not be paid. The alternative was litigation, but that would be an expensive method to adopt. They were all serving the same people. The Power Board had given relief and it was hoped that the local bod'es would give the matter further consideration. At this stage a report by Mr. A. Leese, town clerk of One Tree* Hill, was read. It stated that a good case could be presented in opposition to the bill and that the local bodies provided the funds to construct streets. The motion was seconded by the Mayor of Xewuiarket, Mr. S. Donaldson, and earrrfetl. As both Mr. Allum and Mr. A. S. Bailey are members both of the City Council and the Transport Board they did not vote. Allocation of Cost. It was decided to eend notice of the local bodies' opposition to the Transport Board and the member in charge of the bill. The cost of the action In opposing the bill is to be borne by the local bodies, pro rata to the amount of rates involved. Mr. H. \[. Rogerson was retained on behah oi the local bodies. It wae decided that when the matter •oines before the Local Bills Corunnttee, At Wellington, that the local oodies will be represented b\ Mr. W. T. Anderton. M.P., and the Mayor of Mount Eden. ir. R. J. Mills. Mr. J. Melling will also ■." nreeent.