THAMES RATE RELIEF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22206, 5 September 1935, Page 14

THAMES RATE RELIEF

STIMULATION OF BUILDING COLLECTION SATISFACTORY [by telegraph—OWN- correspondent] THAMES, Wednesday It is evident that the reduction in the borough rates to Is 6d in the pound for this year has had a very stimulating effect on building in Thames. This has been in a languishing state for some years, as rates on property have been as high as 3s in the pound, with consequent stagnation. However, several important building operations are now in progress, including a large addition to the clothing factory in Pollen street and two blocks of two shops each in a central position, also in Pollen Street, as well as numerous alterations and additions to dwellings. The official figures of building permits issued from April 1 to August 31 this year show that new buildings valued at £3840 are in the course of erection, alterations and. additions £2954, erection of garages and small buildings £256, a total of £7050. This is a very great advance on the figures for years past, which were practically negligible. The satisfactory collection of rate 3 by the borough commissioner continues. The figures for the five months of this financial year show that of current rates there has been paid £4803, or 30 per cent of the amount levied, and £3082 of arrears of rates. The collections for the same period last year were: —Current rates, £5836, or 28 per cent of the total levied, and £3485 of arrears. The reason for the difference in the amount of current rates showing a bigger percentage this year, is that the amount levied is much smaller, being £15,548 in 1935, as compared with £20,478 in 1934. There is no question but that the monthly payment inaugurated by the commissioner, Mr. C. L. Grange, has greatly helped the position.