SPORTS CLUBS AND RATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19718, 18 August 1927, Page 11

SPORTS CLUBS AND RATES.

REQUEST FOR REMISSION

DISCUSSION AT TAKAPUNA.

An application by the Takapuna Lawn Tennis, Croquet and Bowling Clubs for a remission of rates received a mixed reception at a meeting of the Takapuna Borough Council last evening. A report by the Works Committee stated the clubs were granted a remission of rates last year and in their letter stated that if the concession were granted they would not ask again. The committee recommended that no remission be granted and the attention of clubs called to last year's statement.

Introducing the deputation, Mr. J. W. Hayden pointed out that the facilities offered by the clubs attracted people to the borough and helped to make it a pleasure resort.

Members ot the deputation stated the clubs were not in a very good financial position. In the case of the Bowling Club it was stated that if a remission were not granted, the club would probably be unable to carry on. One speaker said the grounds were highly over-rated. "There are 2500 ratepayers in the district and I do not see why they should suffer for the sake of 150," said Mr. A. M. Seaman.

The essential thing for the council to do was to get its head above water, stated Mr. ,A. M. Gould. They were putting men off through sheer inability to keep them on. "I feel we are trustees of the ratepayers' money and I will vote against total remission," said the Mayor, Mr. J. W. Williamson. It was finally decided to remit half the rates to the clubs.