TAXATION ON SCHOOLS

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14767, 5 October 1921, Page 5

TAXATION ON SCHOOLS

DECISION OF CONFERENCE EXEMPT FROM GENERAL RATE. NOT LIGHTING AND WATER LEVIES(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A protest against any attempt, Lo impose rates on denominational schools was made by a deputation representing the Koman Catholic. Presbyterian and Anglican churches, which availed on the conference of the Municipal Association of New Zealand to-day. Dr. Gibb and Fathers Connell and .!. J. McGratb were the speakers. The president of the 'conference (Mr Wright, M.P.,) said the delegates had every' sympathy with the churches in their work, but he desired to point out that the local bodies had found that there had been a gradual encroachment on the revenue that should be derived from rates- There was no desire on the part of any local body to do an injury to any private school. The conference, however, would give the matter every consideration. Later Mr Fletcher (Christchurch) moved "That the Rating Act be amended to provide that properties exempted from rating should be. exempted from general rate only, and should pay all other rates, the proposed amendment not to apply to properties used exclusively for religious worship." Mr Fletcher thought that church hostels and boarding houses in connection with denominational institutions should pay their fair share towards lighting and water rates.

The resolution was earned on the voices.