AMENDING BILLS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 11 October 1922, Page 5

AMENDING BILLS

CHIEF CLAUSES OUTLINED RATING AMENDMENT (From Onr Parlinmenfarv rnrr*rpmr«J*nM

WELLINGTON, This Day. The chief clause in the Rating Amendment Bill introduced in the House of Representatives gives a local authority power, by ( resolution, to decide to allow a rebate not exceeding five per cent, on rates paid within/thirty days of the due date of the bill and also provides 50 per cent, reduction of the penalty for overdue rates and states that the -system of rating on unimproved values may, by special order, be applied, not only to the general rale, but also to special rates. Where rates have been levied on the annual value, such annual value shall be deemed, under the new system, to be equal to six per cent, of the capital value of the property concerned. The House worked well last evening and the Land Laws Amendment Bill was passed with little comment, as was the pharmacy amendment. The House took longer over the Electric, Power Boards Amendment, to which the Minister had a number of additions, including one giving the board the right to enter and pass through, or under, private land. This proposal caused some discussion, members considering a serious principle was involved. The clause appeared particularly serious to the Hon. J. Hannan. He said such a clause “might cost a member his seat”, and to some members there appears to he few tilings more serious than that. Another proposal which was debated was that of allowing Boards to appoint standing special committees, on which may be persons not members of the boards. Both proposals were adopted ultimately, the former being safeguarded bv the provision for the payment of compensation. The third reading was seized upon as an opportunity for discussion on hydroelectric proposals in general. The, Judicature Amendment Bill (No 2), dealing with the superannuation of Judges reappointed temporarily after retirement, and reducing the quorum of the Board of Appeal was put through. The Corporated Societies Amendment BUI, the chief clause of which changes the schedule of fees, was put through the final stages. It was 11.30 p.m. when the House 'adjourned.