CROWN TO PAY FULL RATES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23891, 9 March 1943, Page 4

CROWN TO PAY FULL RATES

LAND TAKEN BY N.Z FORCES

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. March 8. The Municipal Association of New Zealand states that during last year the extension of the activities of the Army in New Zealand has resulted in the taking over of a great deal of property. which previously had been bearing its share of local body rates. Because of the prerogative of the Crown it has been exempt from all except the special rates affecting the land prior to its acquisition by the Crown. In the case of some local bodies tire amount of loss of rates has run into a very substantial figure. It is very welcome to local bodies generally, therefore, to learn that the Government has now agreed to pay full rates on all properties occupied temporarily during the war period by the Army, Navy, and Air Departments, whether taken under powers contained in the Emergency Regulations or by agreement with the owner. The Government has agreed to assume this responsibility for the rating year 1942-43 and for subsequent years. The departments concerned have been notified with a request that payment be made as soon as practicable. This action of the Government, in recognising the due claims of local bodies, is greatly appreciated by the Municipal Association, the statement concludes.