TENNIS COURTS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21386, 31 January 1935, Page 14

TENNIS COURTS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

CLUBS TO BE ASSESSED FOR RATES (PRESS ASSOCIiTtOB TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, January 30. For the first time in. the history of the city, a number of tennis clubs occupying courts in school grounds are being served with valuation notices preparatory to being assessed for rates in respect of the portion of school property which they use. From statements made by members of school committees, this move to collect rates on portions of public school sites is regarded with considerable apprehension and will be fought. Three schools are affected, and in each case it is stated that the courts are let to local clubs whose contributions by way of rentals are used to keep the grounds in order for the use of the pupils. Hitherto school grounds have been exempt from rates; but during the last few years several schpol committees, in endeavouring to raise additional funds for playground improvement, have laid down aiid,. leased tennis courts to local clubs. The Town Clerk of Christchurch, Mr J. S. Neville, said last evening that as far as he knew there were no tennis clubs in Christchurch leasing grounds from school committees. Several clubs occupied private land, and there were a number on city reserves, where tnly were exempt from rates. It was a moot point whether the City Council could collect rates on school property held on lease by tennis clubs, as the Government claimed exemption for all school property, even on land bought and held for future building.