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Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 174, 9 December 1876, Page 2

Tuh new Eating Act has attracted a large amount of attention, very naturally, as it materially affects'owners of country properties. We, therefore, give a brief abstract of its principal .provisions, for those who may not have a copy of the measure in question. The preamble sets forth that it is expedient that a uniform system of rating should prevail in New Zealand. After repealing former Acts or Ordinances, affecting rating, it is laid down that valuers under this Act be appointed by every local body, and such valuer, on appointment, must subscribe to a declaration, in which he promises, to the best of his skill and ability, .to make,a just valuation. This is to be made in the presence of a justice, and to be kept by the clerk of the office. On or before the 15th of January, 1877, and upon or before the same date in every future year, a valuation list is to be given in by ■ every, valuer, and strict provision is made for such valuers to have free access .to premises. In case of absentees, it will be sufficient to enter the name as “owner.” Objections to valuation arc permitted in the usual way, and an Assessment Court is appointed to hear and determine objections. In ease of any local body neglecting to appoint valuers, the Assessment Court may do so. This Court, to consist of the Resident Magistrate, and such other

persons as the Governor may appoint, are to have absolute power, and their decision on all objections is to bo final, no appeal of any kind ; to a superior Court being allowed. No rates are to be made or collected after the 31st of March, excepting under this Act, Rates may bo levied for a'year or less, and

power is given to'-collect tlld SWA'i ri such instalments-as-the.’local body may think fit. A ratepayers’ book is to be kept, and prior to making any rate, the local body must notify their intention of doing so. Eight of appeal jg conferred. Provision is made for the recovery of rates, and persons leaving premises may be .called on to pay up at once, if the collector ’chooses. The occupier of premises is not liable for rates, provided he discloses the owner’s name. Other provisionis made for the collection of rates, and for recovery in default. As has already been stated, the new Acts provide for valuation in lien of the acreage rates hitherto obtaining in this district. As to the new measures being popular, or even just, there may be a doubt, but as they will have a fair trial before Parliament meet, they must bo left to the test of time.