CONSOLIDATION OF RATES

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 123, 25 May 1923, Page 10

CONSOLIDATION OF RATES

APPEOVED BY CITY COUNCIL,

An important proposal came before the City Council last night in the fprm of a recommendation from the Legislation Committee that a local BUI prepared by the City Solicitor for the consolidation of all special rates be approved, and authority .granted for its presentation to Parliament. Councillor J. Burns, chairman of the committee, said that the Bill meant, in effect the consolidation of all the special rates of tho city, which would bo raised in one sum instead of under separate heads. The legislation was specially necessary in view of the fact that tho already numerous special rates were likely to be added to shortly when the Onslow and Karori water drainage loans were raised. At the present time the number of special rates levied was something like fifty. He pointedout that the change would mean a considerable saving in clerical work alone, as well as in other directions. Councillor W. H. Bennett thought the recommendation should be referred back for further consideration, as a very important point of policy was involved. He moved as an amendment that the clause be given further consideration. Councillor M. I<\ Luckie indicated the advantage of collecting the rates in a lump sum. Councillor. Bennett's amendment was not seconded, and the clause was adopted. ". ' '. ..