OTAKI HIGHWAYS VALUATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 97, 12 August 1879, Page 2

OTAKI HIGHWAYS VALUATION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MANAWATU HERALD . MR— T wish to draw your attention to the injustice of the present rrode of valuation adopted by tho Otaki Highways Board, and through them by the Manawatu Coiraty Council. The Otaki Highways Board have in their employ c gentleman who by some ingenious contrivance (best known to themselves) combines in himself the offices of Clerk, Valuator, and Collector. , Now, Mr Editor, comes one objection to the 'system, viz , tho Collector being paid at so much percent. And also being the Valuer it is manifestly to his own interest to M stick it on "as much as possible. This gentleman also proceeds on a system of valuation which is eminently calculated to save him. self trouble, though it may not be quite as satisfactory to tho owners of property, eg., some fine morning he arrives, pleasantly exhilarated by the freah air, and asks how much rent you pay ; on being told, he immediately informs you that you will be valued accordingly. If you suggest that it may be aa well for him to go over the property and see fo>' himself what it is worth, he blandly shakes his head and tells you that he is quite satisfied. My own case, Mr Editor, will show how utterly unfit the Valuer is for the position he holds. I rent a. run from the natives, and a short time ago.-obly paid half what what I do now, as rent, but through jealousy on the part of a neighbor, I have had to pay double simply to keep nay home and to prevent my having ftp! afresh in my old age; the Valuator, o&me, and learning what rent I paid, valued me at that amount, and when asked, refused to go over the run and see for himself. And to make matters worse, the County Council has also adopted his valuation, so that through the incompetency of one, I h* vo to pay about four times what I ought. Why in tho name of common sense (if they have any) do not the Highways Board employ a professional valuator instead of one who knows about as much of valuation as he does of the pre- Adamite man. One more instance of his fitness for the office lie holds and I have done — he actually was not content with valuing a rain's blacksmith shop, but he also valued his tools. Apologising for ,takin» up so muoh of your valuable space, I am, &c, TllOs. Bevax, June. . Wnikftwa, August 5. . • i'u [Persons who are overvalued, havd power of appeal within a certain time. This power, our correspondent neglected to Exercise. The County Council has no option as regards valuation lists. : It. must adopt that of the inferior body.— Eb. ii. Herald.]