RATES ON CHURCH SCHOOLS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6202, 6 October 1921, Page 6

RATES ON CHURCH SCHOOLS.

PROTEST TO MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, Oct. o. .V protest against any attempt to impose rates on denominational schools was made by a deputation representing Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and Anglican Churches, which waited on the conference of the Municipal Association of New Zealand to-day. Dr. Gibb, Father Connell, and Mr J. J. McGrath were the speakers. The president of the conference,, .Mr Wright, M.U., said the delegate's had every sympathy with the churches in their work, hut he desired to point out that local bodies had found that there had been gradual encroachment on tie* revenue that should ho derived from rates. There was no desire on the part of the local body to do any injury to any private ischool. The conference however, would give the matter every consideration. Later Air Fletcher (Christchurch) moved that the Rating Act be amended to provide that properties exempted from rating should be exempted from the general rate only, and should pay all other rates, the proposed amendment not to apply to properties used exclusively for religion.-, worship. Mr Fletcher thought that church hostels and hoarding houses in connection with a denominational institute should pay their fair share towards lighting and water rates.

Pile taxation of schools remit was carried on the voices.—P.A.