REDUCING THE BOROUGH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 428, 25 August 1908, Page 2

REDUCING THE BOROUGH.

Effects of the New Rating System.

Wards Suggested.

At last night’s Borough Council meeting Cr Baker moved his notice of motion, seconded by Coley, that steps be taken to reduce the borough by eliminating certain farm properties. In speaking to the motion, Cr Baker said in order to avoid tyranny and , hardship to farmers through adopt- - ing rating on the unimproved value, farm properties should be eliminated from the borough area, or else the borough should be divided into inside and outside wards. The farm properties in the. borough were not required for V building purposes, and something should be done to alleviate the hardships on farm property owners. Since the new system of rating had been adopted, his rates had gone up from £ll to £ 2B. The property adjoining bis, within the Manawatu County Council, and double the area, was only rated at £8 per year. In support of his motion Cr Baker read the following letter : —“ Valuation Department, Wellington, 17th July, 1908. —Mr S. H. Baker, ‘ The Pines,’ Foxton. Sir, —I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the nth inst., and have again considered the matter of your complaint. I have also seen the valuer, and discussed the matter with him. The position shortly is that owing to your farm having been included in the borough boundaries, your rates are out of proportion to the value of the property as a farm. I much regret that I am unable to offer you any advice as to how you may obtain a reduction of rates, unless of course you could secure an alteration of the borough boundaries, It is unfortunate that your farm should be within the town boundaries, and yet—as I understand is the case—you should be unable to utilise the land for building purposes.—G. F. C. Campbell, Valuer General.”

Cr Coley: It would be a good thing if the property Was built up there.

Cr Baker contended that it was impossible to strike a fair rate. The properties from which such high rates were received, did not benefit proportionately. He recognised that it was rather late in the day to make a protest, and would like to remain in the borough, but under the present system of rating, it was out of the question.

Cr Jenks : Divide the borough into wards.

Cr Baker said he had previously suggested that. / Cr Stiles said the Council sympathised with Cr Baker, but latter had not brought forward any remedy. The whole question had been before the ratepayers, and they had sanctioned the present system of rating. The only course open was to wait till the three years was up, and take another poll to ascertain whether the ratepayers would go back to the old system, or else divide the borough into wards.

Cr Jenks thought the ratepayers would go back to the old system of rating. Cr Baker protested that rather than pay the present rates, he would state his case before the magistrate, and if he failed would take the matter to a higher court. Cr Coley said he had been informed that Blenheim had reduced its area under similar circumstances. He thought the best course was to pay the rates. Cr Baker suggested that the borough boundary should be reduced from Nye Street to Spring Street.

Cr Stiles was of opinion that Cr Baker had started to protest at the wrong end. He reminded Cr Bakec, that properties in the borough had considerably increased in value during the past few years. The Mayor said since his property had been merged into the County Council area, his rates had increased ,£lO. The Government Valuer’s valuations of property then came in for some adverse criticism. Cr Coley pointed out some glaring discrepancies. Cr Baker also quoted figures showing where the valuer had assessed land at ,£4O per acre, and within a short distance it had dropped to ,£l6. Cr Coley asked how it was possible to convert an ironmonger into a land valuer.

The Mayor said the Council could not deal with the matter satisfactorily at this meeting, and suggested holding the question over. He felt that the increased taxation oon farm lands was unjust. In fact, he did not think Foxton was a suitable borough for rating on the unimproved value. S The ratepayers had carried the system, and the Council could alter it. He did not think thalfe he present system would give place to the old system if another poll were taken, because the small holders would out-vote the large holders at every poll. He advised Cr Baker not to waste his money in litigation would be throwing good money after bad. Dividing the borough into wards could be considered, but the rates had now been struck for the year, and. no alteration could be made. He was of opinion that land values were \ too high. The cash value was the ' true assessment ot the land. Cr Jeuks said it was clear that the Council could not do anything at present except to try and divide the borough into wards. The present valuation system throughout the Dominion was rotten. Much of the land in either town or country was not worth the money now being asked for it. ... The moliqruffias- withdrawn.