HOUSE KEPT VACANT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22981, 8 March 1938, Page 13

HOUSE KEPT VACANT

! RATES REBATE REFUSED 1 PREMISES ONLY FOR SALE DECISION OF THE COUNCIL The view expressed by the city solicitor. Mr. J. Stanton, that, where a building is kept deliberately vacant, though if available it could be let, the owner is not entitled to the allowance of half rates, was endorsed by the City Council last night. The council declined an application received for a rebate of half rates 011 a property in Remuera, which had been vacant for six months in the current rating period. The city treasurer, Mr. T. W. M. As hoy, reported that the property had been unoccupied for six months during the rating year. The Rating Act dealt with premises with dwellings being vac-ant and unoccupied, but 110 considered that, where a house was being kept vacant for the purpose of selling, there was a beneficial occupation, and it was not actually vacant and unoccupied. The section was to give relief to a ratepayer who could not obtain revenue from letting. The city solicitor said ho understood that the house was not let, but was for sale, and was kept empty until it could be sold. In that case, he did not think the owner was entitled to a remission of half rates. On the recommendation of the Property Committee, the council declined the application. j