RATES FROM CROWN LANDS

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1933, Page 6

RATES FROM CROWN LANDS

COMMISSIONER MEETS COUNCIL. MEETING AT WHANGAMOMONA. During yesterday’s meeting of the Whangamomona County Council, councillors were introduced to Mr. F. H. Waters, Commissioner of Crown Lands for Taranaki, and took the opportunity of placing before him the difficult position of the county in . relation to .the impossibility of collecting rates on Crown land or from certain Crown tenants.

Representation connected with rates levied on special areas, was also made it being pointed out that an undue and unjustified burden was being thrown upon the few settlers who remained on their sections. The council further drew attention to the fact that whereas stock and station firms, and the Crown, usually took first call upon revenues from indebted lands, nothing was being received towards arrears of rates. In this connection it was suggested that a pro rata distribution of any revenue should take place between stock firms, lending institutions, the Crown and the County Council. If such a course should be adopted, the 'local body would at least receive something in the form of rates. At present, it was stated, thousands of pounds had accumulated in arrears of rates from Crown lands and Crown tenants until the position had become so serious "that the council was faced with a difficult problem even in keeping roads open, much less in improving access and giving the remaining settlers some encouragement to stay on the land. Mr. Waters replied seriatim to the questions raised and gave councillors a clear outline of the, situation faced by his department, particularly in the Whangamomona County.

“Most of us here are crown tenants,” said the chairman (Cr. N. R. Cleland) in thanking Mr. Waters for his attendance. “I am sure,”, he added, “that settlers in this back country district will find some satisfaction in the knowledge that the commissioner will at least view their difficulties with sympathy.

RELIEF CHRISTMAS TREE.

CHILDREN OF UNEMPLOYED.

Further arrangements for to-morrow’s Christmas tea and distribution of gifts to the children of the unemployed of the Stratford district were made at a meeting of the committee in charge recently. It was reported that donations towards the decoration were being received and there would be possible an elaborate decorative scheme.

Mrs. F. P. Uniacke reported that there had been a very fair response to an appeal for toys, and good work had been done by a sub-committee in renovation. More toys still were required, however. Mrs. Ericksen, in charge of the catering committee, reported that there had been a good response to requests for provisions and cakes, but still more were required. It is expected there will be nearly 300 children in the Town Hall on Thursday evening, 250 tickets having been issued per medium of the Central Taranaki unemployment committee to children of registered unemployed. There are also expected e number of other children whose parents are in difficult circumstances.

The entertainment is not being confined to Stratford children. Those from Midhirst, Wharehuia and Toko are being collected by lorry to-morrow afternoon between 4 and 5 at the factory, the creamery and the post office respectively..