GENERAL REMITS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 668, 21 May 1929, Page 6

GENERAL REMITS

COUNTY VALUATIONS GROWTH OF NOXIOUS WEEDS A variety of subjects was embraced in general remits discussed by the conference. On behalf of Opotiki, Mr. Bradshaw moved: “That the Valuer-General be requested to supply to land owners, when a revaluation is taking place, the rateable value of the locality or riding, as well as the rateable value of the particular county, when notices of valuation are being sent out.” Mr. McCreadie seconded. Mr. R. D. Duxfield supported and said there was really no valuation done at all; merely a little bit of office work. The whole position was quite unsatisfactory. Many of the farmers’ were being taxed out of existence, particularly those who were rated on the unimproved value. Mr. Harkness pointed out that each county council had the valuation roll, which was open for inspection at any time. Mr. Bradshaw explained that this was not always satisfactory, and a revaluation had to be applied for and a fee paid. The remit was lost. BREED NOXIOUS WEEDS Mr. Milne moved on behalf of the Kawhia South branch that: “In view of the fact that scenic and timber reserves generally became a breeding ground for noxious weeds and animals, and further that they retard the progress of the district, both from a financial standpoint, this conference objects to the reservation jof any further such reserves unless approved of by the settlers or ratepayers of the district.” He thought that it was .only a fair thing that the conference should take up the question. All that the remit asked was that the farmers as ratepayers should receive consideration. Mr. S. H. Judd seconded, and suggested that the mover should include county councils in the motion, as these represented the ratepayers. The remit was carried. LAWYERS’ CHARGES A remit from the Taneatua branch asked that the Government should be requested to bring in legislation restricting costs on land transfers and drawing up of mortgages, taking as a standard the charges as framed by the Rural Credits Act, long dated loans. Mr. MeCready (Taneatua) thought the suggestion was worthy of close attention. He believed that the conference ‘would agree with the view advanced by Taneatua. It was time that a revised system came into being. Mr. Mellsop said that the conference would be justified in asking for an alteration. Captain Colbeck pointed out that the union would be asked how the new suggestion would be enforced. The lawyers, for instance, might raise objections. A member of the union could be given power to attend to the legal sides. He was doubtful if such legislation would be passed. Prior to the Government entering the lending market, he said, the costs of mortgages was astounding. He thought a lawyer i would have to be engaged specially.

Mr. W. H. Alien (Tirau) said it would jie wise to pass the remit.

Opposition to the rQiit on the basis of a question of principle was raised by Mr. Barter (Waingaro). He did not think it the sphere of the union to attempt to alter the costs made by one section of the community. A Member: Not when they are extortionate.

Mr. Taylor (Kaukapakapa) said that it was undoubtedly a big question to bring up for legislation. Mr. C. C. Munro (Clevedon) said that not many solicitors would charge over the scale charges. In fact, many would charge under. Sets of circumstances arose and adjustments were made by the solicitors to the scale. To ask the Government to take steps, the door was being opened extremely wide. According to services rendered, solicitors’ charges varied considerably. Mr. Walker supported the remit, and gave his personal experience with solicitors’ charges.

Mr. MeCready, in reply, gave it as his opinion that restrictions should be placed on the lawyers in theircosts. The remit was carried.