Rating Exemption Of Massey College

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 124, 27 May 1937, Page 10

Rating Exemption Of Massey College

MINISTER UNSYMPATHETIC TO REQUEST FOR GRANT

“It will be realised that to accede to the request of the Kairanga County Council would mean that tho Crown would have to make itself responsible to all local bodies in New Zealand for rates on an all school lands or other lands used for educational purposes. The effect of this would be an addition to taxation which would have to be borne by all taxpayers, including those in the Kairanga county. Such a change of policy does not appear to be justified.” This was the reply of the Minister of Finance (Hon. P. Fraser) to a request made by the Kairanga County Council for a Government grant to cover the loss in rates arising out of the exemption of the Massey Agricultural College property from rating. The Minister added that tho exemption arose not because of the fact that the property was Crown land, but because the property was used for an incorporated college and thus received exemption under the Rating Act. In this respect the land was in the same position as lands used by public schools, secondary schools and technical schools. “For the life of me,” stated Mr J. Hodgens, M.P., who forwarded the Minister’s reply, “I cannot see the analogy between Massey College and an ordinary school. The college, to my mind, is a specialist institution catering for the requirements of the whole Dominion, and as such should not be the cause of embarrassment to tho local body wherein it happens to be functioning. I have discussed this aspect with the Minister without avail; as a matter of fact, I might as well have been talking to myself. Therefore, I have to inform you that the position is hopeless.” The chairman (Cr D. Collis) expressed regret at the Minister’s reply, and said it did not seem likely that anything further could be done. Cr T. D. Lynch drew attention to the fact that Massey College was a national institution, and the students there came from all over the Dominion, some even coming from overseas. He would like to see the Minister asked to reconsider his decision. On tho motion of Cr W. O. Shannon, it was decided that a deputation consisting of the chairman and Crs Lynch and J. Smith should wait on the Minis-