Rating on Unimproved Value.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 September 1910, Page 4

Rating on Unimproved Value.

ENQUIRY FROM. SECRETARY O-K STATE EOR COLONIES.

At the meeting of Mo IJawerr Borough Council 011 AVednesda\ night an important let tor was received from the Valuer-General who said:."The Secretary of State for the Colonies is desirous of oh taining fll rtliei- information on tin subject of taxation nf land valuei ii. Now Zealand, and to that one has preferred a .request tiliat he b( furnished with reports from muni eipalities that have adopted tin system of rati in/ on imimprovci value, with special regard to th< effect of that system on land specu hition, on the bidding trade. 01 rent, and as to its convenience f« 1 aisinuc the local revenue. As i is advisable that the repnrt .shouh be drawn up as far as possible 01 uniform lines. I would sll LT'.rosfc I'o your favourable cmisidc'ration tha replies he furnished to the follow in"' ijiKM-ios respecting rating 01 unimproved value (1) Is it a determent to th.e hold ing of land for merely spoisilativ purposes? (2)_ r„,„ ;l l:..:. t building (•'{) Does it tend to reduce rents! (1) Is its tendency against th maintenance of fictitious land val lies? (•">) Does ii entourage the use ant improvement of land? (fi) Or :es it produce forced sales of land (7) Does it attract population? fH) Are the general results of tin system beneficial? (9) Are the ratepayers satisfiec with the system? (10) Fs there any difficulty in raising siifficicmt reveiiiv? under the system ? The Mayor (Alr Barton) said a.s the matter was an important one it (Might to recivc careful consideration. He moved that the letter be referred to a special coinniitt-eo consisting of C'rs. Cowell .Whittington, Fov, Sargeson and the mover. Cr. Heid seconded the motion audit was carried.