HEATHCOTE ROAD BOARD VALUATION.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 402, 25 September 1875, Page 2

HEATHCOTE ROAD BOARD VALUATION.

To the Editor of the trcooc. ■ Sir, —Having heard many persons complaining of the new valuation for the Heathcote Road Board, I w;is fortunately induced to inspect the roll, and upon doing so I was quite taken aback at the glaring discrepancies. I should like to know what was the standard by which 'the valuator was guided; was it by instruction from the Road Board, or whether it was some unimaginary one of his own. lam told that the valuator is to receive the munificent sum of one hundred guineas for the same, and that pretty sum is earned in the short space of six weeks. Had ordinary care been taken to inspect and go over the several properties, and that they were valued somewhat proportionately one to the other, the ratepayers would not have so much reason to complain ; but when there are differences of £ls and £2O in the valuation of houses in the same locality, and precisely the same size and description, it is full time that the ratepayers should look out and protest to a man against the extraordinary high valuation of small properties, and the inequalities therein. It is well known that property is not increasing in value now; in fact property now for sale in the immediate neighbourhood will not realise so high a price as it did some two years ago and rents are actually falling. Hoping you will kindly insert the above, I remain, Sir, Yours, &c,

RESIDENT, Phillips Town, September 24th, 1875.