REJECTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 144, 20 June 1934, Page 11

REJECTED.

VALUER'S EVIDENCE. "PAYMENT BY RESULTS." MT. EDEN ASSESSMENTS. The evidence of a valuer who admitted that he worked oil a basis of payment by results was rejected by Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., at a sitting of the Assessment Court at Mount Eden yesterday. This decision was taken when 17G objections were presented by Mr. R. E. Taylor on behalf of the owners. "It is a very unsatisfactory way of doing things," said the magistrate.

Appearing for tiie Mount Eden Borough Council, Mr. Terry said the objections wore not in order. He suggested that one of the eases should be heard to test its validity. The council considered the evidence not bonafide. The council had information which pointed to the conclusion that the district had been canvassed by an agent named Lange, residents being invited to place objections in his hands. Not one of these objectors was in Court. It was suggested that Lange was to receive a certain fee if sucecessful. In reply to Mr. McKean, Mr. Taylor said he did , not think the people had been canvassed. "Improper State of Affairs." "If Mr. Terry's statements are correct, it is a most improper state of affairs," said Mr. McKean. Mr. Taylor said it would be a great injustice to those concerned if they were not given an opportunity to have their valuations considered.

Mr. McKean called for evidence by Mr. Lange on one of the objections. "How did you come to see the owner; by whom were you asked?" queried the magistrate.

Mr. Lange: By a friend of the owner.

In cross-examination by Mr. Terry, witness admitted he had issued circulars in reference to valuation objections. He had obtained between 50 and 70 clients 011 the basis of a payment of 10/ if the objection were successful and nothing in the event of the valuation being sustained. About 30 people had requested him to see about their properties. He could not swear he was actually asked in every instance.

"After admitting that under the terms of your employment you get no pay unless you secure a reduction, do you expect 'me to make reductions?" said Mr. McKcan. Addressing Mr. Taylor he asked if it were proposed to bring the witness forward in all the cases. Interested Witness. "I cannot possibly prefer the evidence of an interested witness to that of the official valuer," he continued. -"I am astonished that anything of the sort of which I have heard could take place. I cunnot place any reliance on the witness, . and regret such a position has arisen." Mr. Taylor said that if canvassing had been "carried out it was improper. Would it not be possible to confer with the valuer to secure an adjustment in cases where over-valuation wa3 apparent ?

"If people arc prepared to make terms like that, they do not deserve assistance," said Mr. Terry. Mr. McKean ruled that in the light of evidence he would uphold Mr. Terry's objection and refuse to hear further evidence. He left it in the hands of the official valuer to make amendments to assessments where it appeared to be warranted.