IN THE HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 708, 8 March 1933, Page 4

IN THE HOUSE.

Notes and Comments from Parliament. POSITION OF UNPAID RATES. ("Star” Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, March 7. Special power for remission by local authorities of the 10 per cent penalty or portion of it on unpaid rates levied for the financial year ending March 31 next is given in the Finance Bill. The provision differs from existing legislation in that apart from its extension it enables local bodies to remit a portion of the penalt}*- if so desired. It also covers rating periods, the conclusion of which does not coincide with the date, March 31. Taking Land for Mining.

The powers of the Minister of Mines to take land for mining purposes are widened by the Finance Bill. Under it the Minister is empowered, without the consent of the owner or occupier, to determine that any private land which has been subject to Government geophysical survey, or which he proposes to prospect for gold, shall be resumed. In respect of land so resumed, the amount of compensation payable by the Crown is not to include the value of any gold or minerals contained in the land, but is to include sums reasonably expended by the owner or occupier in carrying on mining operations. The Minister is further empowered to dispose by open competition of land geophysically surveyed, and the proceeds of the sale are to go to the Consolidated Fund and will not be dealt with as goldfields revenue. Under another clause, no warden without the consent of the Minister of Mines may grant mining privileges in any area or areas in respect of which the Unemployment Board has notified him in writing that it is granting or intends to grant assistance for prospecting or development. Thames Harbour Finances.

The complicated financial affairs of Thames required further legislation being put through the House to-day, when the Thames Harbour Loans Adjustment Bill passed all its stages. The‘measure authorises the Post Office to accept the amount of sinking funds, £9313, is full payment for a loan of £IO,OOO. In the case of three private debenture holders, sinking funds are to be released and paid to the debenture holders in proportion to their holdings. Interest on the loans was not paid last year, but will be paid in full this year. After the end of the financial year the board will pay full working expenses and divide the remainder among the debenture holders. Power is . also given, if necessity arises, to appoint a commissioner to take over the powers of the board.