RATING SYSTEM CRITICISED

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30763, 29 May 1965, Page 19

RATING SYSTEM CRITICISED

Under the existing system of rating, the rich became richer and the poor became poorer said Mr E. J. Stalker when the North Canterbury Catchment Board discussed its estimates yesterday. Unless there were a radical change in the system, the board would not be doing what was expected of it.

He was referring to the system of rating areas according to their works, and said it was a pity that opportunity was not taken to put more on the estimates for work on the Selwyn river. The rates required from the Waimakariri-Eyre-Cust district, for example, were reduced chiefly because of a Government subsidy of twothirds, when even at a pound for pound subsidy the Waimakariri rate would be low compared with that for the Selwyn. Mr Stalker said that the Soil Conservation Council should be asked for authority to transfer rates money to the Selwyn, where people had no flood protection. Covered By Act

The board’s rating system was covered by the act, said the chairman (Mr R. M. D. Johnson. Money could not be passed from one area to another. This problem was appreciated in Wellington, and a report on it was now before cabinet.

The district commissioner of works (Mr C. B. Dallas) said that the rules said that expenditure should be directly rated to benefit. It would involve a good deal to change the principle. "The board should have power to spread its revenue where it is most needed,” said Mr Stalker. “It’s not good enough to leave people exposed to the dangers of a flood in the Selwyn.” The board agreed to ask its chief engineer (Mr E. B. Dalmer) to report on additional protection in the vicinity of Coes ford.