CITY LEASES

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9172, 12 October 1915, Page 8

CITY LEASES

THE QUESTION OF A THIRD ' ARBITRATOR. • His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. PLuke) stated yesterday to a representative of the “Times' ’ that.’ the ; City Council ■ was informed some time ago that there could be no Municipal Corporations- Amendment Act* this year, and consequently no particular steps were: taken in regard" to the question of the appointment of a third arbitrator in connection with the revaluation of the corporation leases. But within the last few days- the Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill was brought before the House, and the proposal of the .''municipality, which has already been approved by the executive of the Municipal Conference, that the personnel of the special Arbitration ■ Court appointed to deal with the valuation and revaluation of leases should bo a judge of the Supremo Court and two assessors representing either party, was embodied in the bill. The Government, however,: I .could not see their, way clear to accept the ’ proposal that a/ judge should 'bo the third arbitrator,: and they, suggested that the senior magistrate -should hold the position.’ Tho Wellington City Council accepted this, compromise, but representations had been made by the leaseholders that the matter had been sprung upon them, and they objected to it. On behalf of tile City Council, therefore, the Mayor, with tho chairman; of the legislation committee (Councillor A. R. Atkinson) and the city solicitor, waited upon, the Hon. Gvi.W. Russell (Minister for Internal Affairs) yesterday morning, and tho outcome of their deliberations was that they agreed that legislation should bo enacted extending: for a period of twelve months —i.e., . until January, 1917—the ten city leases that fall in during the coming year. The revaluation will'.take place at the end 1 of that, •period, instead of twelve months earlier, hut the now valuation'will be retrospective for tho twelve months in question—that is to say, lessees will continue to pay the present rent up to January, 1917, but will have to pay for tho twelve months any difference made by the new valuation. The Hon. G. W, Russell assured the deputation that the whole question of a change of policy : in regard to the valuation - of leases will bo dealt with in a measure to be brought down next year.