RATING ON UNIMPROVED VALUES.

Waikato Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1074, 16 October 1901, Page 2

RATING ON UNIMPROVED VALUES.

TO TUE EDITOU. Sik,—Your report of the last meeting of the Hamilton Domain Board is of more than ordinary interest, as it throws some light on the practical working of this new system of rating. The remarkable increase in the annual charge for Borough rates amounting, in Mr T. King’s case, to a rise from 11s 6:1 to £G 2s 6d, is, apparently, not viewed favourably by these who have to pay, but this objection can only be temporary, and would be quickly removed by a brief interview with Messrs Fowlds, Webb, or even Mr King’s Auckland namesake. They would doubtless point out what Mr King has overlooked—namely, that the increased rales, which ho and others of simiilar degree are called upon to pay, enables a substantial reduction to be made cn banks, hotels, and other large house properties, the owners of which, as is well known, are usually in poor circumstances, and not able to pay their full share of local taxation. But perhaps the chief point of public interest brought into prominence is whether the same results, now being shown in connection with the Hamilton Domain Imds, may not follow in the case of all unimproved lands brought under the provisions of the Act. Admitting the force of the argument, so ably and effectively employed by the gentlemen above named, tint the increased rates would render unprofitable the holding of waste laud, wlrch is, at present, of course, highly remunerative. The question naturally arises, who will be likely to lease or purchase for future improvement these heavily-rated, but, in most cases, otherwise valueless lauds Certainly not Messrs Fowlds, Webb, or the other great leaders, whose duly in this matter very properly ends on the platform, and judging by your report, some of the Hamilton residents are not too eager to take up the burden. The only solution of the difficulty oflered by the Hamilton Domain Board is to allow lessees to surrender their leases upon duo notice being given. This is thoroughly iu keeping with onr progressive times, for it means that the Domain lands, hitherto occupied in the over-production of cabbages, potatoes, and grass at a good rental to the Board, will have to hs relet at a merely nominal figure, or 1 resinned ' by the übiquitous furze, mid occupied by our old friends, Mr and Mrs Bunny, lu any case, it illustrates some of the advantages obtained from rating »u unimproved values. —1 am, ole., ONl.onUKti,