Problem of Rating

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 235, 3 October 1929, Page 7

Problem of Rating

FARM LANDS IN BOROUGHS BILL BEFORE THE HOUSE [ Per Press Association ] WELLINGTON, Oct. 2. In the House of Representatives tonight, the Hon, P. A. de la Perrellc, moving the second reading of the Urban Farmlands Rating Bill, said he thought it would have the support of all sides of the House. It had been based on the findings of the Commission which had inquired into the general question of rating on farm lands and it was designed to give relief to many small farmers who were unable to carry on in the face of heavy municipal taxation. Air A. Hamilton said the Bill would give justice to the many farmers in local body districts and ho considered it was the best measure the Government had brought forward this year. Two main provisions of the Bill referred to the rating powers of local bodies and the classification of land. The time had come when local bodies should consider whether they were col-; lecting too much of their revenue in the l?rm of rates. He contended that property owners were not always the best able to pay, and there were other sources that could be tapped. At the present time owners of urban farms were not getting value for the money they paid in rates. It was important, also, that there should be some classification with respect to the value of land lest heavy rating of local bodies should amount to confiscation. Further Examination Mr D. G, Sullivan suggested that local bodies should be given a fuller opportunity of examining the actual Bill. They had been supplied _ with copies of the report of the Commission, but they had not seen the concrete proposals to be embodied in legislation. The Bill was obviously going to affect t! e finances of local bodies, and should therefore, be considered by each local body that would be effected, so that they could make representations to the Alinister before the measure was put through tho final stage. He suggested that if tho burden were taken off the owners of land it would have to be borne by the workers. He was anxious that an injustice should not bo done to one class while granting justice to .another class. He felt sure a compromise could be reached if the course he suggested were followed. Sir Joseph Ward agreed that the finances of local bodicsi were affected and suggested that the Bill should be referred to the Local Bills Committee. The Hon. J. G. Coates, rising to a point of order, said he hoped it Was not intended to do anything that would sidetrack the Bill. Air W. D. Lysnar stated he approved of the general principles of the Bill, but he thought it went a little too far. General Sympathy Air H. E. Holland (Buller) said he thought the Prime Alinister's suggestion was a wise one. There was a general feeling of sympathy with the principles of the Bill, but the Municipal Association had stated that it desired certain amendments. He felt sure that if the measure were referred to the Local Bills Committee, local bodies [would be able to indicate the alterations they desired, and the Bill would be able to proceed in a more satisfactory form. Air H G. Dickie expressed support for the Bill, while Mr J. AlcCoomws urged that there should be nothing in the nature of rush legislaxion when it would have such a widespread effect. Mr W. J. Polson .said he believed referring the measure to the Local Bills Committee would shorten discussion on the subject. Air J. 8. Fletcher said he wished again to take exception to the proposal to introduce an element of legislation by Commission and Order-in-Council.

Air H. S. 8 Kyle supported this attitude. Mr T. T. Armstrong said he objected to curtailing the powers ci local bodies. He thought it would be better to empower local bodies to use their own discretion in granting relief. Mr A. W. Hall described the Bill as a very gool attempt to meet the situation. Referred to Committee The debate was continued by Messrs Langstone, AlacMillan, Lye, Jones and Ansell. The Hon. de la Perrelle, replying, assured the House that tho Government was desirous of placing the Bill on the Statute Book this session. Th'o Bill was read a second time and referred to the Local Bills Committee.