SUBSIDY ON RATES

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27637, 19 April 1955, Page 7

SUBSIDY ON RATES

RANGIORA SEEKS ARREARS REFUSAL OF SUPPORT BY KAIAPOI Support for the Rangiora Borough Council in a further request to the Municipal Association to obtain from the Government arrears of rate subsidy for the year ended March 31, 1954, was refused by the Kaiapoi Borough Council last evening. “When the Roads Board Act was enacted it was the intention that the subsidy of 15s and 22s a head of population should replace any future payment in respect of heavy traffic fees, petrol tax and Government subsidy,” said the secretary of the association (Mr C. L. Bishop) in a letter to the Rangiora council. “Payment of the petrol tax and heavy traffic fees to March 31 last was due and payable to local authorities, but it was not considered that there was anything further due in respect of the subsidy on rates. “I understand that some counties had drawn advances in respect of the subsidy, but the Government has resisted the counties’ demands for payment of, full subsidy to all counties.” The Rangiora council said that it did not consider the association’s reply very fair to municipalities which aid not receive petrol tax and asked for support in taking up the matter once again. “Further action is unwarranted,” said Cr. H. L. Oram.