PAYMENT OF RATES

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 104, 27 January 1931, Page 10

PAYMENT OF RATES

Extension Desired

POSITION AT MOERA Extension of the penalty date for the payment of rates to the Lower Hutt Borough Council was sought at last night’s meeting of the council by a deputation from the .Moera Ratepayers’ Association. The speakers were Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Butcher. The council empowered the Mayor (Sir Alexander Roberts) to wait on the Prime Minister to see if anv such relief could be secured. “We are here,” said Mr. Sullivan, “to ask you to extend the time of the penalty imposition on rates to the end of March’ or at any rate to the beginning of March. It is only a minor question to you perhaps, but to many people, in Moera it means a lot. We would like to know why oiir rates are. being called a month earlier than previously. In Moera seventy-five per cent, of the ratepayers are casual workers, or else unemployed, and -they are right up against it. The demand, therefore, comes very hard. Indeed there is a lot of hardship down at Moera. Quite a number of good working men cannot get work. It is a bit hard calling the rates so much earlier than last year.” Mr. Butcher supported Mr. Sullivans remarks. In reply to a question the town clerk said the penalty date was February 2. “Would it help Moera,” said Councillor F. Campbell, “if the borough instituted monthly payments 7” “I could not speak for the ratepayers of Moera on the point,” said Mr. Sullivan, “but speaking personally I think it a very good proposition. I think instalments would be better.” Mr. Butcher thought the suggestion would be acceptable to the ratepayers of Moera.

“Is it not a fact.” asked Councillor Grierson, “that at the present time no sum in part payment of rates is ever refused?”

The Mayor: That is so. We take it at any time for any sum. “It is not generally known,” said Councillor Patrick, “that rates can be paid in instalments.” “Is the 10 per cent, penalty imposed on the total rates if half have been paid before the penalty date?” asked Mr. Sullivan.

“The 10 per cent, is only charged on the unpaid portion,” replied the Mayor. “I am sure,” he continued, “that I am voicing the opinion of the members of the council when I say the people in your district have our entire sympathy. I am sure the council will do all in its power to assist yon. “I have had inquiries made at the Government Audit Department, and it says it has had similar applications and it has had to tell them that it is not possible under the present law for the local bodies to extend the period for imposing the ten per cent, penalty. “The only thing is to see whether we can get Parliamentary sanction to the alteration. If that could be done your case would be met. Personally I would like to get that concession. I will ask the council to discuss the question and see whether it cannot get the necessary authority, which does not exist at present, and get that exemption. We cannot do what the law will not permit us to do. We hope to get the authority for that exemption for this year at any rate.

“I want to make it clear to you that it is always possible for ratepayers to pay the rates in instalments. Also, the penalty can only be imposed • on amounts not paid at the date’ for tjie imposition.”

Later in the meeting the question was discussed, and the Mayor was empowered by resolution to wait on the Prime Minister to see if it was possible to effect any relief in the way asked for.