RATING RELIEF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23431, 22 August 1939, Page 12

RATING RELIEF

TBAMWAY TRACKS TRANSPORT BOARD DECISION RECENT CRITICISM DEPLORED "Following tho decision of tlio Auckland local bodies to oppose tho passage of a bill to secure exemption from rating on tram tracks, it appears that there is still an opinion that the board is attempting to get relief through legislative action for something to which it is not entitled," said Mr. J. A. C. A Hum at a meeting of the Auckland Transport Hoard yesterday. "I wish to point out publicly that the board has taken the correct attitude." There seemed to bo a feeling, noticeable in the city and shown in the press, Mr. Allum continued, that the Transport Hoard was endeavouring to gain an advantage over such other utility services as the Auckland ElectricPower Hoard and the Auckland Gas Company. Such was not the case. The hoard wished to gain exemption by legislation only from rates where its properties were unique. Special rates would still be paid, but relief was desired from general rates on what the board had constructed and was maintaining. "Tram tracks," said Mr. Allum, "are built and maintained by tho hoard, but worn by other traffic than our own. As the result of a judgment given in another case, I am not sure that local bodies can impose rates on property occupying a public thoroughfare." Criticism of the board's proposals in n section of tho public press, said the chairman, Mr. W. H. Nagle, arose from those responsible not making themselves familiar with the details. The board had adopted the right procedure and had taken the other local bodies into its confidence. "I deplore criticism made with a lack of real information." he added. In reply to a question by Mr. A. S. Bailey, Mr. Nagle said the board could have'asked for much more than relief on construction and maintenance of the tram tracks. The situation could have been tested legally, but it was preferred to look lor' an equitable review of tho whole position. The Auckland board, he said, was the only tramways company in the Dominion that paid rates.

It was decided that the chairman should proceed with the _ introduction of a local bill planned to give the board rating relief.