RATING ON UNIMPROVED VALUES.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15116, 4 November 1914, Page 4

RATING ON UNIMPROVED VALUES.

TO THE' EDITOH OF "tiTE FR_B_." Sir, —Accompanying tho petition for the rescinding of rating on unimproved values, now being submitted to tho ratepayers, i 3 a circular letter, containing a statement of the previous aud present valuations of Greater Christchurch, together with a letter signed by Mr G. M. Butterworth, commenting on tho same. The latter referring to the valuations says:—"Tho summnry clearly shows that the loss inflicted on tho community—and spread over the four wards—-for new social services rendered to a few, reaches tbe staggering annual- sum of £11,000. When you add to this sum the further 'oss to tho land-tax payers, who pay tax on the fictitious total of £5,<J40,752, one can well understand tho widespread discontent and the glee of rival trade centres, such as Auckland and "Dunedin are." Now, I ask. how is this alleged 'oss of £11,000 arrived at? (I want the sum stated as an example would be in an arithmetic, not merely a reply in "oneral terms). Also, do land-tax payers pay on £-5,040,782 fthe whole of the unimproved value), when there ig an -xemption of £500?— Yours, etc., s C. H. NIGHTINGALE. Christchurch, November 2nd, 1914.