New Method Of Rating For Counties Suggested

Chronicle (Levin), 9 June 1949, Page 4

New Method Of Rating For Counties Suggested

The introduction of a fourth method of striking rates ,in the : form of a compromise between capital and unimproved values, • Was recommended by Ward 8 (the i Hawke's Bay Joinit Counties) iii a ; lengthy circular to the local bodies of the Dominion, a copy of which was read at the monthly meeting of , the Horowhenua County/ Council yesterday. The circular pointed out that at present there were three methods of computing rates, namely on capital value, annual value and unimproved value, the former and latter being used by counties. It suggested the introduction of ' an average value which, it was suggested, could be assessed by adding half the value of improvements to the uriimproved value, or, to put it another way, by adding the capital to the unimproved value and dividing by two. An example was as follows: Capital £2,400, unimproved £400, improvements £2000, average £1400. It was stated in the circular that the Hawke's Bay county was the one which would bene'fit most. Up to. 1933 Hawke's Bay had been rated on the capital value, but inc'reased orchard production had provoked an issue because the value of trees was assessed as improvements, thus increasing the capital value. The chairman, Mr. A. M. Colquhoun, said that the circular was very interesting, but that the matter would be on.the agenda of the New Zealand Counties' Association's conference and be fully discussed there. . • • • The clerk,' Mr. F. H. Hudson, said that there seemed to be a need for some. new form of rating to meet certain circumstances, particularly in coastal- belts.- The Hawke's Bay counties were seeking a way out and the Counties Com~ mission also realised the need for an improvement. The. points put forward in the circular were mere'y. suggestions and he thought that if' any . members present had other inspirations on "the subject they shouid bring them forward. . Various councillors asked if copies of the Hawke's Bay circular could be made availabie to them, as they would prefer time to study the proposition.