THE NEW NATIONAL PARTY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 172, 24 July 1890, Page 2

THE NEW NATIONAL PARTY.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Constant reference is made in discussing tho advisability of substituting a land tax for the property tax, to the "unimproved value of land " as the basis for taxation. I think this word "unimproved" very misleading. If I gather the intention of the promoters of Tuesday night's meeting correctly, it is to tax all land on its present value, allowingforall improvements thereon. But this is very different from the unimproved value, which can never be more than prairie value, and I would suggest the word " unearned " value. For example, the unimproved value of land about the foot of Queen-streeb would be tbe value when that place was a swamp, the unearned value would be all that has accrued to that value from the fact of Auckland becoming a large city, with well laid out streets, wharves, etc. (apart from any buildings erected thereon), and this is what should be taxed, as it is the community who have made its value what it is, and the community should reap the benefit. Hoping the new National Party will adopt the word " unearned " for "unimproved," and bo strengthen their position,—l am, etc., J. Thornes. 81, Queen-street, Auckland.