RATE RELIEF SOUGHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21454, 30 March 1933, Page 5

RATE RELIEF SOUGHT

URBAN FARM LANDS MATAMATA APPLICATION [from our own correspondent] MATAMATA, "Vv'cdnes'day 1 An application for relief under the Urban Farm Land Ratiug Act, tbe first of its kind in the district, -was considered by the Matamata Town Board last evening. when a firm of solicitors wrote on behalf of four farmers within the town district asking that a farm lands list be made out. The letter stated that the lands occupied were used solely for faiming and were not suitable for subdivision. The rates were out of all proportion to those levied in the county and were a serious and unreasonable drain on income. They amounted to, a ground rent and provided a serious hindrance to the disposal of theproperties. The letter concluded by asking for a farm lands list being made out so that a special rate, as provided: for in the Act, could be struck. The clerk, Mr. W. D. Hay. said the Act provided for the compilation of such a list if the board considered a» prima facie case for relief had been made out. In determining this, the board had to consider whether the rates were excessive or unduly burdensome, the municipal services available, whether any reduction would impose an undue burden on other ratepayers, and other factors. The chairman, Mr. W. A. Gordon, said he thought the board should adhere to the present? rating list. It would then be open to objectors to be heard in Court. It was only where unimproved rating was in force that a case could be made out. Mr. G. G. Bell held that the applicants had not made out a prima facie case. If such appeals were successful, it would result in Matamata ratepayers changing over to the unimproved value system of rating, which would fall heavily on the objectors to the present system. / The board decided that the applicant# had not made out a prima facie case.