PURPOSE OF THE BILL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 190, 14 August 1941, Page 6

PURPOSE OF THE BILL

CHANGE OF INCIDENCE OF RATING The Wanganui Harbour District Empowering Amendment Bill is in the name of Sergeant Cotterill. It prot poses a change in the rating system so that country ratepayers will pay on the same basis as Wangan ratepayers. The country rate at present is half that of Wanganui. Evidence was presented to the Local Bills Committee last week by the Mayor of Wanganui, Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C., and Mr. J. J. Scott (Wanganui representatives on the Harbour Board) representing the Harbour Board; and Mr. W. Morrison (Waitotara County and a member of the board), Mr. A. H. Collins (Wanganui County) and Mr. D. Ross, chairman of the Harbour Board, who opposed Che Bill for country ratepayers. Mr. N. G. Armstrong, solicitor, represented country interests.

The country representatives objected to any amendment in the rating system on the ground that it would be a breach of faith, since farmers were now being asked to contribute more to the maintenance of the port from which they derived no more benefit than in 1913 except for a small concession on fertiliser which was more than absorbed by the rates paid. The sponsors of the Bill argued before the Local Bills Committee that the port was of direct benefit to the farmers as it was the main avenue of export for dairy factories and freezing works in the district. Therefore the rate should be more equitablyspread to meet the burden of increased maintenance.