EXEMPT FROM RATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20600, 26 June 1930, Page 13

EXEMPT FROM RATES.

DEFENCE DEPARTMENT LAND. POSITION AT DEVONPORT. COUNCIL TO SEEK RELIEF. The burden imposed on Devonport by the exemption from rates cf large areas controlled by the Defence Department was discussed at a meeting of the Devonport Borough Council last evening. "I think the time is opportune to strike," said Mr. E. H. Little, in moving that the deputy-mayor should be empowered to proceed to Wellington to make representations to the authorities regarding the Defence properties. Mr. W. Cassels-Brown, who seconded the motion, said fortifications on the North Shore were no longer required, and the constant, firing practice from the fort, shattered people's nerves as well as their windows.

"We should leave it to the deputymayor to make the best bargain he can." said Mr. Little.

The motion was unanimously carried. Th© deputy-mayor, iir- J. Hislop. said the council wanted the Government to make the best use of the properties.

A letter was received from Mr. A. Harris, M.P. for Waitemata, stating that he was communicating with the Government regarding relief for the borough witb respect to the Defence areas. The unimproved value of the land concerned is £152.000, and the estimated rates on the Narrow Neck property alone would produce approximately £3OOO.