COUNTY KATES

Southland Times, Issue 22734, 9 November 1935, Page 6

COUNTY KATES

SOUTHLAND’S REPRESENTATIONS. REPLY FROM MINISTER. At its last meeting the Southland County Council decided to request the Government to abolish the maximum of £2500 on the subsidy of 5/- in the pound on rates paid to county councils. It was explained that by reason of the existence of the maximum several large counties did not receive the full amount of 5/- in the pound, Southland, in fact, receiving only 1/2. The following reply from the Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, was received at yesterday’s meeting: “The general question of assistance to counties is a problem, to which much attention has been paid by the Government, and you will have noted the announcement that it has been found practicable to repeat during the current financial year the 124 per cent, special rebate which was provided last year. This subvention will assist all rural ratepayers, whereas you will appreciate that the proposal supported by you involves assistance to only a few counties. In view of the special assistance aforementioned, the Government cannot see its way to provide anything more. Your representations, however, have been noted, and will receive further attention in the event of this question coming up for consideration at a later date.” Valueless Rebate.

A reply from the council was despatched worded as follows: “It is noted that the general question of assistance to counties has given the Government much concern, and it has also been noted during the current financial year that a special 12J per cent, rebate is being allowed to county ratepayers. This rebate will no doubt be of great assistance to the ratepayers concerned, but is of no value to the council, in that the amount of money available for reading works to counties is not augmented. This council on behalf of its ratepayers, appreciates the action of the Government in bringing down the 121 per cent, rebate, but it is also strongly felt by the members of this council and the ratepayers in Southland that the subsidy on general rates paid to counties should be on the same basis in all counties. However, it is noted that the Government will give further attention to this matter in the event of the question going up for consideration at a later date and, on behalf of the council I have to thank you for your assistance in this respect.”