OP Y.
No.31.
C. O.
26303
RECR REG 3 JUL 02
From the Honourable the Colonial Treasurer.
To the Honourable the Colonial Secretary.
Sir,
Treasury.
22nd April, 1902.
With reference to Section 39 (1) of the Rating Ordinance, No.8 of 1901, I have the honour to suggest that an Order in Council be issued fixing the minimum rateable value at $20 per annum, from the 1st July next.
2. I have had a return made out showing that only $1,273.72 per annum would be lost thereby, a small sum compared with the estimated total revenue from rates this year, viz: about $930,000 and one which is payable by the poorest of the community who are often unable to afford it and who cause more trouble than perhaps all the other ratepayers combined.
3. There would be a diminution of labour in the Treasury to the extent of over 5,600 receipts per annum besides dispensing with all incidental trouble of collection, and this is somewhat important to a department the work of which is increasing yearly.
I have etc.,
(Sd). A.M. THOMSON.