THE RATING QUESTION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 604, 20 September 1913, Page 3

THE RATING QUESTION.

The Editor. Sir, — Would yen kindly allow mo space for a few remarks on the burning question of rating on unimproved value. It is generally conceded even by those who are actively opposing the system in Te Kuiti that the principle of ratine on unimproved value is sound and equitable, only it would never do in Te Kuiti: they say because—well, oh! because you see—things are quite different here, and it would never never do; we'll tell you exactly why later on. At least two gentlemen spoke against the proposal at Monday night's meeting, but neither of them gave the slightest hint as to why they objected to it. Our worthy Mayor promised to call a meeting "before the poll" and place concrete arguments before the ratepayers, but was nareful to give no hint as to the nature of these arguments. Now, sir what bas he got up ■ his sleeve? and will he fetch it down in time to let us have a look at it before we are asked to swallow it? Is it the leasehold? or is it the poor man who has scraped and Baved to buy a section, and who is net yet able to put up a house on it and who, under the present system will have to pay sweetly immediately he doea put up his house. And the better he makes his home and the nicer his garden—well—the more he will have to pay. No; I don't think it can be him; it must be that leasehold! Increased unimproved values? No, that won't do! These values are fixed by the Government valuer, and the council cannot raise them even if they wanted to which is not likely. Decreased security to offer when borrowing, eh? No; that won't do either, Mr Editor. The amount of rate levied is the security offered, not the land or buildings the rate is levied on, so that leasehold or freehold makes no more difference than it would if the rates were paid! in notes or in gold or in silver. Ido wish, sir, that Mr Boddie would shake that sleeve and let us 3ee what comes down.—l am, etc., SPERO MELIORA.