RATING ACT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15956, 18 October 1922, Page 3

RATING ACT.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. In the House, the Hon. D. Stewart, in moving the second reading of the Ruling Amendment Bill, explained it wa.s u short measure designed to give effect to recommendations from the Municipal Associations' Conference, covering tui application for rating on unimproved/land values, additional charges in respect of unpaid rates, and rebates permissible, in the case of rates paid promptly. Mr. Hockly opposed clause three, empowering an additional charge on unpaid rates. Otherwise the Bill, he said, was a- useful one.

Sir J. Luke considered it unwise to give local bodies power to alter their method of rating by resolution. Bates on unimproved values was not suitable for a city like Wellington, where congestion was a serious problem. Mr. Sullivan supported the Bill as likely to help municipal finance by inducing ratepayers to pay up earlier. He defended the rating on unimproved values, though he agreed with Sir J. Luke in regard to buildings on too small areas. ' Mr. Harris opposed clause 4.

Dr. Thaekcr suggested the inclusion of power whereby local bodies may use' loan moneys in hand temporarily in anticipation of the ordinary rate revenue coming in. The discussion was carried on by Messrs. R. W. Smith, J. R. Hamilton, Isitt, Sidey, McLeod, Dixon, Lysnar, Hatvkin, Jennings, Malcolm, and Holland, the criticism of the measure being somewhat mixed, members being evenly divided for and against clauses •1 and 5, which provide for penalty and rebate on overdue and promptly paid rates respectively. The Minister, in reply, said the Bill was going to .the Statutes Revision Committee, where all contentions could be further considered. The Bill was read a second time and referred to the Statutes. Revision .Committee. -.