RATE DEMAND FORM.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18929, 26 April 1933, Page 8

RATE DEMAND FORM.

ALLEGED OBJECTIONS. CLERK’S ACTION CONFIRMED.. — l That exception had been taken by certain ratepayers to a rate demand notice sent out to ratepayers in arrears by the county clerk (Mr T. Grant), was stated by Cr A. Livingstone at Monday’s meeting of the Waipa County Council at Te Awamutu. Cr Livingstone mentioned that objection was taken to one of the circulars at a public meeting at Te Kowhal. He had not seen the circular and would like Information on the matter.

In supplying councillors with copies of the circular, Mr Grant said It was only reasonable that when extended credit was given it was essential to know the financial position of the applicant. As trustees of the general body of ratepayers the Council was entitled to know something about the financial affairs of a ratepayer, who wanted extended credit. The form was confidential and there were no questions asked which a debtor should be afraid to disclose. The inquiry forms were sent at the request of Cr A. H. Storey to ratepayers in his riding. Cr J. S. Fisher said the county had to be conducted on businesslike lines. He could see nothing objectionable about the form. Possibly the clerkhad made a mistake in allowing for only four mortgages. (Laughter). Cr Livingstone expressed himself as satisfied with Mr Grant’s explanation. There was nothing on the form to which objection could be taken.

Cr E. F. Peacocke: It seems the clerk has gone to a good deal of trouble to give us reasons why we should allow payment of rates in certain cases to be postponed. "We owe our finaancial position to-day largely to our clerk and treasurer,” said the chairman (Mr S. C. Maeky) in moving a resolution of appreciation of the services of Mr Grant, which was carried unanimously.