OTAHUHU BOROUGH.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 241, 11 October 1929, Page 3

OTAHUHU BOROUGH.

REVALUATION SOUGHT

TO ADJUST ANOMALIES. With a view to adjusting anomalies in regard to rates paid, on valuations of properties, especially on front street areas, in the Otahuhu Borough, the- legal and finance commit-tee last night recommended that the Valuer-General be requested to make a revaluation of the borough. The Mayor, Mr. T. Clements (who is chairman of the committee), stated that the time was opportune for the recommendation, as some properties in the business area were rated on a valuation much below their selling price. He instanced one property which was valued at £21 per foot and sold for over £45 per foot.' Other cases were quoted by supporters of the motion showing a greater disparity. Mr. Clements said that the last valuation Was taken before the main street was laid down in concrete. Councillor J. Hunter said the selling value in some instances of front street properties, compared to the Government valuation, was in the vicinity of 300 per cent. Councillor C. E. Petrie, in moving as an amendment, "That the valuation be deferred till 1932," reminded the council that the last valuation was taken only three years ago. He strongly opposed the motion on the grounds that a revaluation would increase rents and cost of commodities, which would be passed on to the consumers. Councillor G. V. Pearce seconded the amendment. The motion to request the ValuerGeneral to undertake a revaluation of the boroiigh was carried, with Messrs. Petrie and Pearce voting to the contrary.