HUTT COUNTY RATING

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 229, 24 June 1944, Page 6

HUTT COUNTY RATING

Change To Unimproved Value Basis COMPLAINT OF INJUSTICE TO FARMERS Strong protests were made at the adjourned meeting of the Hutt County Council yesterday about the manner in which rating on unimproved value affected farmers in the county.

"The Government always used to be talking about wage cuts, but it was always the National Government that did the cutting,” said Cr. J. J. Maher in introducing the subject. “Today the Government is cutting the farmer right and left, .it cut down the butterfat price, and it cut down the wool price, but its latest action in giving purely residential electors power .to outvote farmers has enabled them Io see that the farmers get still another cut. In this county, due to the new franchise, we have had a change in the ’basis of valuation for rating. This has meant a further load for farmers, and a handsome present to such organizations as the Wellington Racing Club, which, by the change, has received a present of nearly £7OO, while struggling farmers have had their rates increased by as much as 150 per cent. "This is a real example of the Government’s stabilization plan. It stabilizes the farmer so much that if they keep it up he will not be able to move. All I can say is that this thing was done deliberately to add a further burden on the fanner, and it will unquestionably help to decrease production still further. This council should draw the attention of the Government to the inequality of the system of rating on the unimproved value.” Cr. J. B. Yaldwyn said he did not think they could lay the blame on the recent legislation. Counties all over New Zealand had changed over to rating on the unimproved value. It had to be remembered that residential rates had also gone up. .... Cr. J. D. Barclay said that when this legislation was passed the value of land was increasing, but the value of hill land had not increased. There was no unimproved value in hill country, and if these properties were properly valued they would pay ho rates at all. The chairman, Mr. R. L. Button, said the rating system could not be altered before April 1, 1945, but it would be the duty of the council during the present year to take steps to see that a revaluation of the lands of the county was made. Cr. Yaldwyn said most of the county s rates did not come from the farmers, and the farmers’ problem could be met by resolution. Cr. A. Hardham said he had actual proof that the farmers in his riding, vVhareroa, would have a 50 per eent. increase in their rates under rating on the unimproved value. Whatever rates were necessary the ratepayers in farming ridings would have to carry a larger proportion of the county’s overhead expenses. A move would be made to divide the riding into beach and farming areas. He agreed that any increase in rates should come .within the stabilization system. ' Cr. S. Blackley said the change could not be put down to the Government, as 15 years ago legislation had been placed on the Statute Book dealing with rating on farm lands. The question of rating was not properly understood by the ratepayers, as most people regarded it from the standpoint of how it would hit their individual pocket. It might be better if the, county rated on capital value. The council should investigate which was the better system, and, if necessary, petition to change back to rating- on capital value. The discussion closed with an assurance by the chairman that every step would be taken to see that no injustice would be done to any class of ratepayers. ■