RE-VALUE THE CITY?

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1490, 12 July 1912, Page 7

RE-VALUE THE CITY?

COUNCIL SAYS "YES." CABINET TO BE URGED TO DO SO. Tho City Council decided last night to urge upnn the Government "Iho necessity of proceediug lit ouco with the new valuation of llio city." Councillor M'Kwizie opened n discussion of the propositi. Ho remarked that values in tho suburbs, especially at Island Bay, had fallen, mid Hint valuations in tho city had risen. Tho city actually 10.-t .t'Sik) in rent on ono city property for want of a revaluation. -Fifty leases would fall in in 191(5. How could the new valuation bo ready for tho next rating year unless immediate ac'ion was taken I- 1 Speaking to tho proposal when it was beforo tho council, Councillor Hindinnrsh observed that lie understood that .£275 per foot was tho highest valuation nil Lainbton Quay, and that sales had taken placo at tho rate of JMOO per font In tho centre of the city values had gone up, but in some Of tho suburbs they hud fallen. Councillor Shirtcliffo said that he thought that tho time was inopportune for tho making of a valuation. There would be found to bo a considerable fall in rallies all round. He thought that the present period of depression was gradually lifting, and that, beforo long, values would be reinstated. It would be wise, from tho City Council's'point of view, to postpone the valuation, for one year at least. Ho riioved: "That the question of » revaluation of the city should be postponed for twelve months;" Councillor Cohen seconded the motion. Councillor Frost thought that the only fair tiling to do in the, present circumstances was to-have a revaluation. Councillors Trpgear and Smith favouredan early valuation. Councillor. Flctoher said that he would support Councillor ShirteliflVs amendment, because, tho time for making a valuation was inopportune. If n valuation was taken now, it would' be found that values had decreased, and that would necessitate an increase in the rate next year. The Mayor thought that a valuation would perhaps reveal an increase in the business portion of tho city, and n decrease in some of the suburbs. There could be no doubt that in some cases tho values were altogether, unreasonable. Ho thought that a valuation ought to ba taken now.; Councillor Atkinson declared that it was a matter of justice, and common honesty to have tho valuation taken at once, regardless of what alterations would I>e necessitated. The amendment was defeated, and tho motion carried.