RECLAIMED LAND.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 27 March 1925, Page 5

RECLAIMED LAND.

A RATING QUESTION

(.BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION

WELLINGTON, March 26. Under the powers contained in the Timaru Harbour Board Act, 1876_, and the amendment of 1881, the Timaru Harbour Board constructed a breakwater running from the shore for some distance for the purpose of protecting the basin for shipping. Shingle settled on, the south side of the breakwater and raised a large portion of the old sea bed above highwater mark, part of which was used by the harbour board for harbour purposes, and a part was open for leasing and unoccupied. The Court of Appeal is engaged in hearing an appeal from the decision of Mr. Justice Adams, who decided that parts of the reclaimed allotments open for leasing and unoccupied are rateable. The Timaru - Harbour Board, as appellant, maintains that the land which as vested in it is “harbour work” within the definition of that term in the Harbours’ Act, 1908.

The Timaru Borough Council, as respondent, relies on the decision in the case, Wellington City Council versus the Wellington Harbour Board, and contends that while the term “work” includes the reclamation of land, such reclaimed land must he for harbour purposes, and not simply an endowment before being exempli from rates. Docisioii was reserved.