LAND VALUATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 90, 12 May 1909, Page 3

LAND VALUATION.

A meeting ot settler* in the Stratford » ut Liding look place at Stratford on «in thu <>l discuss! is Ith ollicers Ot the wiluation Depart" men tile matter oj valuations in the "isi Ruling. About twenty-live settlers «ere presem, and the Valuation Depun»";"t was re!,resented by Messrs. jJugUlc (Inspecting \ aluer), and (.'outcs -Mr. JJugdale, Inspecting Valuer sail t the «Hole groundwork for an equ'itali'e adjustment was that all objectors should put 111 their objections 011 the lorni: obtainable for the purpose. If tliey did that lie would undertake that each and every ease should have a thorough investigation. Two errors brought under his notice by the chairman hud already been corrected. He would promise tha, every objector would be seen by th' District Valuer, and anomalies u such ■ existed, corrected.

Several speakers mentioned instances of what they considered anomalies in the valuation of their sections, and in answer to Mr. Coutts stated that tiiey had lodged their objections thereto i'l the form prescribed. Mr. Coutts then mentioned that for some years past it had been part of the District Vuluers' duty to meet all objectors before the Assessment Court sat, and, if the parties could not then agree what valuation should be made, the matter went betor the Court. Any man valuing a great number of properties uiigjit iu<ik» some mistakes, and for his part l;e would be quite prepared to alter any valuation made by him if convinced that he had made a mistake, but not, 01 tv,..*.-} unless he was so convinced. '

The chairman thought that little more remained for the meeting to do. Objectors should lodge their objections, and in due course Mr. Coutts would meet them. It was some time since the riding had been valued, consequently they had not been very familiar-with the routine. Had they been, the meeting might not have been called, as farmers only wanted what was fair, and did not desire their properties under-valued. 11l reply to a question as to whether he over made a valuation of any property without first inspecting it, Mr. Coutts stated that although he had been valuin'g for fifteen years, during which time he had valued nearly half the island, he had never yet valued a property without seeing it. Those present unanimously agreed that they were satisfied justice would be done.—Post.