LAND VALUATION.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19957, 18 June 1930, Page 11

LAND VALUATION.

UNIFORM SYSTEM WANTED. RESOLUTIONS OF FARMERS' CONFERENCE. (jstss ASSOCIATIO* ttUtOJSAW.) WELLINGTON, June 17. Some of the most important proposals that have come forward of late in regard to land valuation were submitted by a special committee to the New Zealand Farmers' Union conference. Some amendments, were proposed and these are to be discussed with tho Valuer-General before the report and recommendations are finally disposed of. The recommendations of the special committee were as follows: —

"(1) That the present methods of land valuation should be replaced by a uniform system inasmuch as land tax and all local taxation are based on the valuation assessed. If the assessment of a valuation bo erroneous or inequitable, then such inequitability is reflected in the assessment of local taxation."

"(2) That tho Valuer-General be asked to convene a conference during tho forthcoming winter of all Government valuers in order to lay down a uniform method of assessing land values. This committee is of opinion that at least once every five years sueh a conference should be convened."

"(3) That tho basis of valuation recommended by this committee be: "(a) In the main the productive value or carrying capacity of the land under average capable management. This committee is of the opinion that in assessing productive values and carrying capacities the average of a period of. ten years be used. "(b) Tho proximity of farms to ports, towns, and townships, markets, railways, schools, and dairy factories, local roading and climate. "(c) Special consideration should be given to rates, including special rates borne Tjy each particular property valued."

"(4) That the valuation of the Lands Department and the Valuation Department be brought into line by putting into practice the basis decided upon by tho conference of valuers."

"(5) That local authorities in & district be asked to nominate a local representative, preferably a farmer, to act in conjunction with the local Government valuer in the assessing of land values in that country." "(6) That this committee is of opinion that a valuation of farm lands of the whole of the Dominion should be completed at least once every ten years." "(7) That this committee is in favour of income tax being the only source of taxation, but that in the case of the fanning community exemptions should be made for the labour of members of the family engaged in farming." . Variations in the methods of land valuing were pointed out by several speakers who stressed the need for uniform valuation throughout the Dominion.

Captain H. M. Eushworth, M.P. (Opua), said production costs were a vital consideration. A farm might produce £IOOO worth of produce, but the cost of production might also be high. Management cost, insurance, building construction and labour costs were all part of the costs of an average farm and must be taken into consideration in order to arrive at the net annual valuation.

An amendment was proposed to make the first line in clause 3 (a) read "net" productive valne. Captain Colbeck considered that the only sound basis of valuation was on the selling basis. It covered all improvements.

Some confusion arose as to the mean* ing of productive valuation, and &■ several other amendments were pro* posed it was decided to defer further consideration until the committee had conferred with the Valuer-General on the proposed amendments.