ONEHUNGA INTERESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21492, 16 May 1933, Page 13

ONEHUNGA INTERESTS

UNPAID CROWN RATES The problem of collecting rates on properties which have reverted to tho Crown was the subject of a letter from the Manukau County Council, which ■was discussed by the Onehunga Borough Council last evening. The county council urged that concerted action should be taken in asking the Government to remedy an unsatisfactory position by amending tho Act. It was agreed to support the county council.

The town clerk drew attention to the disorganisation caused to the fcor°ugh finances by the non-payment of these rates. He read an opinion from the borough solicitors, who advised that the council should at onco claim the fifeount of the special rates in all cases w hero there were arrears for the year cycled March 31, 1931, but, to preserve ■ thje council's rights to enforce payment and priority in the event of there being a surplus on any sale by the yown as mortgagee, proceedings ■should be taken to obtain judgment against the mortgagors within the time uniit, except where the amount of tho i'ates owing did not warrant the outlay i'. Court costs involved. Tho council decided to make inquiries ffom other 'j°cal bodies as to the action being taken -.jthem in similar cases. -Notice was received from the Metropolitan Fire Board that the council's contribution for the current year wuld bo £620, which is £7B less than last year.