STATE HOUSES

Grey River Argus, 27 May 1938, Page 12

STATE HOUSES

GOVERNMENT LIABILITY TO LOCAL BODIES. LPer Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, May 25. The liabilities towards local bodies that the Government would accept foi its housing schemes were defined in a letter from the Director of Housing Construction (Mr A. Tyndall) received by the Waimairi County Council at its meeting this evening, when Cr. F. Scott presided. The letter set out that the Government would accept liability for rates each year in proportion to the period f or which each property was occupied. “It seems that they can do just what they like,” said the chairman. ■‘We have no claim on them for rates. vVe have suffered in the past for the Northcote settlement and we will suffer again for these new schemes. It is a matter we should discuss with other local bodies. A conference should be arranged.” The remainder of the discussion vvas taken in committee.

The department’s letter stated that building permits would not be taken out, but permits and inspection fees would be paid where a service was rendered. Plumbing and drainage tees at a rate to be determined would be met by, the Government, and the drainage plans would be submitted. All service connections in the roads and all repairs to road surfaces ano footpaths should be done by th( council, the cost to be borne by thr Government.

Water-rate charges would be mei by the Government when the Houses ,vere occupied, tenants being responsible for hose-connection charges and fees.

The clauses relating to rates were: “(a) The Crown to accept liability for rales on houses now being or here after erected for letting purposes under the housing scheme, the amount af rates payable by the Crown to bear the same proportion to the rate; (general, special or separate) leviable on such property, as the period cl the rating year during which the houses are occupied by tenants bears to the full racing year (whether the rate is paid oi' not). “(b) The liability of tins Crown foi rates on these houses to extend to such houses in counties (as well as in boroughs, town districts and road board districts) and also to extend to the payment of rates leviable on such houses by any rating authority, ’e.g., harbour boards, electric power boards, transport boards, having rating powers over the properties"