UNIMPROVED RATING.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 299, 1 August 1929, Page 4

UNIMPROVED RATING.

PROPOSAL REJECTED. By Tirau Ratepayers. Only One Vote in Favour. A largely-attended meeting of ratepayers was held in the Tirau Hall on Friday evening, to hear an address on rating on the unimproved value by Mr. J. R. O. Lochhead, of Putaruru. The chair was occupied by Mr. Dennis, president of the Farmers’ Union. Mr. Lochhead’s address, which was listened to with

great interest, dealt very fully with the question, starting in the old pro« vincial days when rating was on the capital value. Since that time many local bodies had adopted the unimproved value system of rating. Under the present system, as adopted by the Matamata County Council, the more a settler improved his farm the more he was penalised, while the slothful man was let off lightly, as was the speculator who was holding land for a rise. The speaker admitted something could be said for the other side, especially in small town sections held in the county. ■ In reply to a question as to how the change could be brought about. Mr. Lochhead said a petition signed by 15 per cent of the ratepayers (about 250) would need to be presented to the County Council, which would then be compelled to take a poll. A bare majority would carry the proposal, and in event of it being carried a further poll could not be taken again within three years. This also applied in the case of defeat of the petitioners. Cr. Anderson, county chairman, quoted figures of rating amounts that would be required in event of a poll being successful, taking his estimates from the last valuation. Crs. Dee and Allen explained the positions of the Te Poi and Okorolre ridings.

Captain Newton then moved that the present system of rating be continued. This was seconded by Mr. Seft'-’Ti B-reks, and the motion was carried with only one dissenting voice. A vote of thanks to Mr. Loohhead for his address was carried by acclamation, also one to the meeting’s chairman.