LOCAL BODY RATES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24685, 14 August 1941, Page 6

LOCAL BODY RATES

NON-PAYMENT BY CROWN BURDEN ON SETTLERS (0.C.) WELLINGTON. Aug. 13. The #bn-payment of rates by the Crow n on various lands under development was the subject of a complaint bv Mr W. J. Broadfoot (Deposition, Waitomo) during the second reading debate on the Finance Bill in the House of Representatives to-night. He suggested that the Crown should assume the same responsibility as the private individual. “ This Government—this great big Government that can spend millions—is ‘ passing the buck ’ for the payment of rates to the individual settler in this country.” Mr Broadfoot said. He claimed that the position was becoming serious. The State was occupying more and more blocks under various development schemes and local bodies were being penalised. Already the State was holding some 160,000 acres under the Small Farms Scheme and about 500,000 acres under the Native Development Scheme, but it was paying neither general nor hospital rates, nor was it paying any special rate? passed after it took possession. “ The rates have to be paid and when they are not paid by the Crown are loaded on to their ratepayers in the locality.” he added. " These people have to pay the rates on blocks being developed by the Crown. Representations have been made to the Government time and time again to realise that rates should be paid on blocks under development.” Mr Broadfoot quoted the case of one area of 29,000 acres which is being developed by the Crown. He said that the nominal rates were £I2OO. but the local body received from the Crown onlv £270, and the ratepayers had to find the rest, nearly £IOOO.