CROWN LANDS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20786, 22 July 1937, Page 4

CROWN LANDS

PAYMENT OF RATES POSITION IN BOROUGHS Brief reference to the question of rates on Crown lands was made at a meeting of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce last night. Tile matter was referred to in the minutes of a recent meeting of the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce: —“In response to an inquiry as to whether the Government intended to pay rates on all Crown lands, a letter was read from the acting-Prime Minister in which it was stated that the liability for local rates which the Crown intended to assume related only to the proposals of the Government for the erection in boroughs of houses which would be let to tenants at a weekly rental, and with the liability of the State Advances Corporation for rates where it hereafter made advances on the security of privately owned land.

“A long' discussion took place on the fact that the Government intended to protect the boroughs tor rates on Government house properties only in respect of any period during which the house was occupied by a tenant. The opinion was expressed that there was no reason why the State should evade an obligation which the ordinary ratepayer could not escape, and the fact that the immunity of the Cro n from rates would continue to apply to mortgages taken ovei from the lending departments of the State—full liability being accepted only in respect of loan mortgages was adversely commented on.

”It was resolved that the Wellington members of executive constitute a committee to collect information on the subject and prepare a report for next meeting which report would also have regard to the wider question of immunities and priorities of the State “It was also resolved that the committee make inquiiiis and collect information as to the extent of the properties In the different centres, and particulars af the problems to be met in each local centre.” Mr C. E Kerr said that the position

in boroughs was nothing compared with that in the .Turtles. The president (Mr W M. Sexton) said that the matter was a hardy annual, but now that the Crown was making a move in one direction, the time hiight be oppor une to make some move in regard to counties. Mr Kerr: Some counties in the North Island are having some difficulty In view of the amount of Crown land in their districts. It is a very big problem, and may be the fore-runner of derating.

When the president asked u any member desired to move a motion Mr

G. H. Andrews stated that Associated Chambers was having a report prepared, and that should meet the case in the meantime. No action was taken.