Postponement of rates

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33033, 28 September 1972, Page 3

Postponement of rates

<Hew Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 27. Local, authorities are given wider discretion to postpone the payment of rates under the Statutes Amendment Bill introduced in Parliament tonight by the Minister of Justice (Sir Roy Jack).

It will enable a local authority to grant postponement on the ground of hardship to the occupier, and removes the requirement that the hardship must be a “serious financial” one. The 174-clause bill is an annual “washing-up” piece of legislation, and this year amends 71 acts. Among its provisions is one which will permit the

Governor-General’s expenses allowance of $14,000 a year to be altered by Order-in-Council instead of by Act of Parliament.

His salary, at present $26,000, will continue to be fixed under the Civil List Act.

Another clause provides for the amendment of last year’s Hire Purchase Act to make clear that where insurance premiums are paid directly to the insurer by the purchaser and that insurer is not nominated or specified by the vendor, the premiums do not form part of the cost of credit.

An extension is provided under the Insolvency Act, from six months to two years, of the time within which an information may be laid where a bankrupt commits certain offences.

The Department of Industries and Commerce will be renamed the Department of Trade and Industry.