SOLD UP.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 174, 25 July 1928, Page 8

SOLD UP.

HOME OF AGED COUPLE.

SACRIFICE FOR UNPAID RATES THE OWNERS' POINT OF VIEW. Misfortunes have not come singly to Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Tebbs, of Norton Road, Frankton, whose property of Si acres was sold at auction last week for unpaid rates, says the '"Waikato Times." Mr. Tebbs propped himself up in bed to speak to his visitor. Yes, he was ill —had recently returned home after nearly three months in hospital. "I never thought they would do it," he said, referring to the forced sale by request of the Borough Council. He considered it a scandalous shame to put him and his wife, old as they were, out of the home that had been theirs for 40 years. "And he was 80 last Saturday," said Mrs. Tebbs, standing at the foot of the bed. "And she is 73," said Mr. Tebbs. He went on to complain of the small amount of publicity given to the sale. It was advertised some weeks before the sale and again two days before. Many people had not known the sale was to be held. Moreover, it was held at the worst time of the year. The property had been valued at £.'llsO by the Government valuer. While that was far above the real value, the £650 obtained at the sale was a ridiculous sacrifice. The council ought to have put a reserve price on the place. Mr. Tebbs spoke also of the enormous amount of rates demanded— £78 a year, with the land tax to be paid in addition. The council knew, he said, that the property was over-valued and that the rates were excessive. He had never received any benefit—no footpath in front of his land and no water. He had found it impossible to cut the land up into residential blocks. The cost of roading under the present regulations, with good metalling and kerbing and chanelling, was prohibitive. Even if he could have spent the large amount necessary for that purpose he might have had to wait many years before he could sell the sections. A man with capital might be able to do it; he could not. So his wife and he had gone on living there quietly, grazing a cow or two on the land, growing a few vegetables for themselves and taking firewood off the place. They had once had hopes that the council would buy the land for a park, but had been disappointed. However, they had never believed that they would be turned out. In regard to the valuation, Mr. Tebbs said he had written to the Commissioner of Taxes some time ago asking for a reduction, but had been informed that nothing could be done. Asked whether he had appealed to the Assessment Court, he said, "Xo, I didn't bother them." Fortunately Mr. and Mrs. Tebbs will not be altogether without means. They have had visits from many sympathisers. Usual Procedure Followed. While general sympathy will be felt with Mr. and Mrs; Tebbs, the procedure taken has been simply that usually followed in such cases, says the "Waikato Times." The sale was made by order of the Registrar of the Supreme Court, and the usual notice was given. The sale was advertised, as is usual on June lti and 23 and July 18. A reserve price was set up by the Registrar. It seems very regrettable that revaluation was not applied for in the regular manner. It appears certain that a very considerable reduction in the valuation and the rate burden on Mr. Tebbs' property could have been obtained and the forced sale might then possibly have been avoided. At it was, the accumulated charges on the land, with this year's rates added, would have been over £500; so that it was becoming imperative for the Borough Council to take action. The council, of course, has no power to re-value or obtain a re-valuation.