ASSESSMENT COURTS.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1508, 4 March 1882, Page 3

ASSESSMENT COURTS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir. — The history of Assessment Courts goes to show that settlers living in isolated districts are to a great extent at the mercy of the valuer. I will take as an instance the report of the Kirikiriroa Assessment Court in your issue of the 2nd inst. Mr T. Patterson who, I believe, had a good case (excessive valuation) was non-suited because of some trifling technical informality. Mr Patterson asked to have the case tried on its merits, but the board's valuer who had not visited the property, objected. One would have imagined that a valuer who had done his duty would not .shirk any such challenge, but on the contrary prefer to have his valuations publicly tested. Valuations must be either right or wrong j if i ight, why decline inquii y ? and if wrong, adjustment should be a matter of duty for him. The case of Mr T. McDonald is another worthy of notice This man addressed his objection according to public notification, and pofeted it in time to reach its destination by the 15th February. A postmaster makes a mistake, and sends "it to the Council chambers instead of the lesklence of Mr F. A. Whitakcr. The objector travels a distance of twelve miles with perhaps a strong case, only to find that his objection cannot be heard, owing to miscarriage of letter. One would have thought the county clerk would have had the common courtesy to return to the Post-office a letter not intended for the council chambeis. It is true that in some distiicts there are habitual appealers, men that no vainer could satisfy ; but both judge and valuer get used to that sort of thing, and, I piesumc, do theii duty all the same. It appears to me that the latcpayers have a right to demand that the \ aluer should inspect all improved properties with which he is not welt acquainted. The valuer would then have some show of consistency in defending his valuation. It appears to me to be the height of absurdity to hear a valuer cross-examining witnesses respecting ])ropeitjcs of which lie him&eli liat> not the vaguest idea. No wonder ratepayers grumble. Legislation re&pectnig assessment appeals appears to be absolutely necessary. — I am, etc., IIATIII'AYJJK. Kirikimoa, March 2, 18S2.