LOCAL BODY RATES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 179, 30 June 1936, Page 9

LOCAL BODY RATES

POWER TO LEVY INCREASE.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 29. Arising out of representations made to the Government bv tbe Wellington City Council, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. IV. E. Parry) stated today that legislation would be introduced, if such a course became necessary, to protect tbe interests of borough councils and other local authorities affected who found it necessary to increase general rates for the current year because of new conditions occurring on account of the recent industrial legislation. “Judging from the experience in Wellington.” Mr Parry said, “it seems probable that some borough councils have given the required public notification of their estimates for the current year and of tbe general rate to be struck. Doubt lias been raised as to whether existing legislation is wide enough to enable a council to make a fresh determination of its annual estimates allowing for an increase in the general rate sufficient to produce an amount required to meet the additional cost of labour, etc., under tlie new conditions. It is essential that local authorities should be in a position to give their employees the benefits of the better conditions available under tbe new legislation. Tbe Government will take what reasonable steps may be necessary to validate the actions of local authorities ill making provision to give effect to the policy of the Government. It must bo clearly understood, however, tlia.t the assurance of legislative action relates solely to any increase in the general rate found to l>e necessary as a direct result of the operation of tlie new labour laws.’ The Minister pointed out that the position would arise only in the case of this year’s estimates, as local authorities would be fully aware of their additional requirements in future years.