LOCAL BODIES’ LOSSES

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1933, Page 5

LOCAL BODIES’ LOSSES

UNPAID RATES ON CROWN LAND. LARGE SUM INVOLVED. Auckland, July 18. The large loss to local bodies in New Zealand as a result of the Crown refusing to accept responsibility for the payment of rates on properties in which it is interested, either as owner or mortgagee, and where redress has been sought from the occupier, was shown in a statement presented at to-day’s meeting of the Manukau County Council by the clerk, who had compiled details concerning these properties. The analysis coveted a period of six years and showed that £151,375 had been lost by 42 city and borough councils, 55 counties and 16 town boards. The counties lost £96,202; city and borough councils £52,791, and town boards £2382. “A circular letter was forwarded to 120 city and borough councils, 125 county councils, and 65 town boards,” says the report. “Harbour, river and drainage boards were not communicated with, but it has since been ascertained that these bodies alsp are losing rate revenue from the same source. A feature of the correspondence has been the readiness with which a number of local authorities, not seriously affected themselves, have expressed a desire to assist in having the present unsatisfactory state of affairs brought forcibly to the notice of the Government in the hope that a satisfactory settlement may be achieved.” “It is a severe burden on local bodies,” said the chairman, Mr. F. M. Waters. “If the loss were averaged it would be found that the loss Of all local bodies in New Zealand amounted to fully £250,000. One can view any further land schemes with a certain amount of dread, if the same policy is going to be adhered to in the future as in the past. Local bodies are asked to lower their rates, and yet the ratepayers are asked to bear the burden of the amount shown in the report. Even the Government is not fully aware of the whole position.” The report will be circulated throughout New Zealand.