LAND VALUATION

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1933, Page 6

LAND VALUATION

SECTION 45 OF THE ACT.

MAGISTRATE’S STRONG COMMENT

(Pe Press Association— Copyiight,)

WELLINGTON, July 18, , ; Seotion 45 of the Valuation ,of Land. Act, which allows a property owner, who is dissatisfied with the Government valuation to offer the property to the Valuer General, was'the subjectof outspoken comment by Mr Hewitt S.M. at the Assessment Court to-day,' The-district valuer, Mr Fraser had asked that evidence should be called in a certain', ease in which the owners had announced their intention of offering their property. Mr Hewitt replied that they had the right and asked what was the use ot calling evidence, when Mr Fraser said the time had come when they should make a stand.

Mr Hewitt- said it was no use wasting. time. “I quite understand the position.” he said. “I have made it plain. I think this section leads to an extremely unfair position. However, neither you nor I are responsible for it. We did not make the law. It is a right -the owner had.” Mr AlacKenzie :—Tt will be illuminating to you and other members of the Court, to hear the evidence.

Mr Hewirt:—Nothing could illuminate me. I have had enough illumination throughout New Zealand already, T think this thing is a farce. I may say. that in Auckland, with 170 objection? in one day, there was not a single cose heard, but everybody offered at a price they never intended t° sell at, hut it is the law. All- MaoTvenzie: —I think publicity may stop them. Air Hewitt:—Stop them. The more publicity you give it the more offers you will have I have never kept, this a secret. I always felt this way about it. It is a right they have in law and they can exercise it That it leads to an extremely unfair position with regard to other ratepayers is not your fault or mine.