RATING OF PROPERTY.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 150, 24 June 1897, Page 4

RATING OF PROPERTY.

I'UBLIC MEETING. A public mectiug was held in the Te Mata School-room on Saturday afternoon, June 19th. The business was to consider the alterations required in the rating of property. Mr Henry, J.P., occupied the chair, and called upon the couvener of the meeting, Mr McCracken, to explain. Mr MeCracken stated it was the opinion of thejratepayers that a change in the mode of rating was required. Taxing improvements was unjust; nonimprovers should be compelled to pay their fair share. He had just fallen thirty-six acres of bush costing £45, and with grass seed and other expenses the cost reached £76. To tax these improvements was moat unfair. Messrs Houchen and Jerome wanted something definite put before the meeting as to what would be the result of the change to rating on unimproved value onlv. Mr T. B. Hill asked whether the Act could be applied to u single riding or the county as a whole. The Chairman read the clauses in the Act, and was of opinion that it applied to the county only. MrT. B. Hill said great things frequently sprang from small beginnings, and he thought the thanks of the settlers were rl»e to Mr McCracken for moving in the matter, and he hoped his aim would be realised as it would be a great attp in advance. He instanced the rating of the Frankton Hotel allotment at £IOO, and now with its improvements at £SOO, as being a direct tax on industry, He was afraid the influence of the absen tee element would prove fatal to its adoption ; if so he had no doubt our present Government would put it right by amendiug the Act. He then moved "That the councillors of the different ridings be asked to call meetings of the ratepayers on the subject." Mr Saunders seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. ft was resolved that Crs. Baukart and Lascellss (Karioi) be requested to communicate with their brother councillors. Extra postal accommodation for Tc Mata was then considered, and it was generally thought that the time had arrived when they should have a biweekly in place of a weekly service. It was resolved to gat up a petition to the Chief Postmaster to the above effect. The question of the Aotea wharf was introduced, but it was decided to defer the consideration of the matter till a fuller meeting of those interested was assembled. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.