UNIMPROVED RATING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 32, 30 April 1927, Page 1

UNIMPROVED RATING

DISCUSSION BY RATEPAYERS MOUNT ROSKILL PROPOSAL Ratepayers of Mount Roskill met at Greenwood’s Corner on Thursday evening to discuss the proposal for rating on unimproved values. Mr. G. E. Tansley, a former chairman of the Mount Roskill Road Board, presided. The probable effect of the proposhl upon the district was pointed out in an address by Mr. J. W. Shackleford- He instanced the comparatively small growth in recent years in Devonport, Northcote and Birkenhead, where there was rating on unimproved values, compared with the phenomenal growth of Takapuna, where the old system was maintained. It might be claimed that Mount Albert had adopted unimproved rating the previous day, but the remarkable popularity of that borough had taken place under capital rating, until it was now almost built upon, and he questioned whether it would prove of practical value. Mount Roskill was differently situated and was making great progress, but this would probably be retarded -if unimproved rating came in. Replying to questions, Mr. Shackleford disputed the claim that the proposal was in the interests of the man of small means. At present a man with a £1,500 house on a £3OO section paid twice as much as one next door with a £6OO house, whereas under unimproved rating they would pay exactly the same. It was urged that it would catch the owner of land away back in the district, who was holding it for a rise. However, one of these settlers said he was trying to make a living on land rated at £ 4 ss, but would have to pay £6 15s under the proposed system. Mr. Shackleford said that even this increase was probably underestimated, for the present unimproved valuation of the district was £1,000.000, so that if only the former were rated it would take twice the rate to bring in the same amount of revenue.