RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 18331, 19 July 1923, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CLUB

DEBATE OF RATES ASKED

DEPUTATION TO CITY COUNCIL. A deputation which comprised most of tho members of tho executive of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association waited upon the City Council last evening to ask for a rebate of rates levied on the club premises in Moray place. Mr E. J. Anderson, thy. spokesman of the deputation, said that last year tiie rates amounted to £IOO 8s 9d, aaid this year to £lO4. Tho club was in existence as tho result of tho generosity of Dunedin citizens, and was in no sense a money-making concern. Tho rates were proving a heavy burden. The association was of such a nature that it could not re-create itself, and the membership would no doubt decrease in time. At tho same time, there were many important matters concerning tho welfare of returned soldiers which yet had to bo dealt with, and the association still had a groat deal to do. It was felt that the council was sympathetic with their request, but it was understood that tho council would require the necessary legal authority to grant tho rebate. "To summarise our request,” continued Mr Anderson, ”wo ask you to take the necessary stops to have included in tho Local Bodies Bill legislation which will enable the council to assist us. That can bo done in the proper maimer.” The Deputy-mayor (Cr J. S. Douglas) assured the deputation that tho matter would receive every consideration. After tho deputation had withdrawn Cr Clark moved, and Cr Hancock seconded—“ That in tho opinion of this council legislation should be passed permitting local bodies to remit all or any portion of tho rates on returned soldiers’ clubs, and that a copy of this resolution lie forwarded to tho Minister of Internal Affairs with a request that sucli authority bo inserted in the Local Bodies Act of this session.”

Cr Halliday said that he thought if tho Returned Soldiers’ Association required immediate help tho Finance Committee might bo able to grant a donation until the necessary authority was obtained to grant a rebate of tho rates. The motion was carried unanimously.