RATES AT OPOTIKI

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 533, 10 December 1928, Page 2

RATES AT OPOTIKI

Some time ago, when the Valuation Department revalued Opotiki County, a large number of ratepayers were under the impression that the burden of rates would be considerably lessened. They were quickly disillusioned, as the council had to make an increase in l'ates in most of the ridings. Those owning low-class lands, escape, fairly lightly, while those owning first and second class lands, who previously claimed that the rate burden was too heavy, are now called upon to pay in some ; instances three times as much as last year. At Friday’s meeting of the Opotiki County Council several lettei's were received from amazed ratepayers, asking for an explanation of the extraordinary increase in the rate. The writers claimed that the council could not legally claim more than 3d in the on tli«j capital value of the land. The de l. pointed out that this did not apply to individual cases, but to the whole county. One member stated the council was being blamed for the state of affairs, whereas the /aluation Department was responsible for the position. The council decided to write to Mr. Martin, solicitor to the Counties Association, for a ruling as to whether the maximum jate applied to individuals or to the whole riding. It was resolved to get a scheme drawn up, after which representations could be made to the authorities to get suitable legislation passed.