RATES PROBLEM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22398, 20 April 1936, Page 12

RATES PROBLEM

POSITION OF THE CROWN SPECIAL RIGHTS OPPOSED LOCAL BODIES* TROUBLES [by telegraph OWN correspondent] GISBORXE. Saturday The conference of local bodies of the Wairoa, Gisborne and east coast districts held in Gisborne to-day to discuss Crown? and soldier settler rates and other matters of importance to local bodies unanimously considered that the Government should be liable for rates on all occupied Crown land. Mr. C. Matthews, chairman of tho Cook County Council, who presided, after explaining the purpose of tho conference, said the collection of rates was one of the most important duties of a local body, for on that duty depended the whole of its workings. The present legislation for the recovery of rates not paid was satisfactory from tho local body's point of view as long as the occupier, owner or mortgagee was a private person, but trouble immediately arose where the Crown "was an interested party, either as owner or mortgagee. Soldier Settlers' Case "In the latter case," continued Mr. Matthews, "to have a satisfactory sale for the recovery of rates due the Crown's claim must be first satisfied, and this leads to an impasse, as a sale that would clear mortgages as well as rates becomes a difficult, if not an impossible, performance. In the county I represent there are a number of soldier settlers. These settlers are a big problem in themselves. Rates are outstanding as far back in some cases as 1923-24. Judgments have been obtained in most cases, but when pressed the settlers show that they are unable to meet either rates or rents and in some cases not even interest. The obvious showing from this position is that properties are .valued above their paying capacity." The Mayor of Wairoa, Mr. H. L. Harker, said that 90 per cent of the rating authorities in New Zealand supported the resolutions of the 1933 conference, but a petition to Parliament went the way of most and was probably pigeon-holed. He urged that rates should be a first charce on the land. Mr. W. G. Sherratt contended that there should be a general writing down of rates and interest. The sooner this was done the sooner they would come to an end of their difficulties. Every case should be taken on its merits, those who could pay being made to pay to the full. Rating and Valuations The chairman of the Wairoa Countv Council, Mr. A. C. Nolan, said it was unfair for a man on a private mortgage to be kicked about while another over tho fence could not be touched. The following motions were carried: — "That all occupied Crown lands, including lands being farmed by the Crown, be rateable for all rates, and that /the statutory provisions for the collection of rates in respect of lauds owned or occupied by private persons be applicable to such Crown lands. "That all rates on lands mortgaged to the Crown and any of its departments be collectable in the same manner and with the same statutory powers as rates levied on lands mortgaged to private persons. "That the Government be asked to give full consideration to the question of the valuation of lands held by soldier settlers with a view to bringing the lands to a value at which it will bo possible for the holders to meet the requirements of rate 3, rent and interest."