A Rating Problem

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 284, 27 August 1930, Page 13

A Rating Problem

Sir,—A very sound position is created by Vortia’’ (the Appeal Board) prevent-; ing the Northcote Borough Council ■from: taking the whole pelt from a ratepayer whose ulfHculty would be greater if he: were compelled to build to the mayorV liking. Are not most of the other cor? pprauons of New Zealand also ruthlessly rack-rating the owners 'of some farm lauds under their authority? In my own case assessments are made on the! unimproved value of farm land ' which: is two miles from the town centre. The rates amount to more than three pounds per acre, namely, the whole of the letting value, which means a degree of confisca-tion,-and I am only one of. the sboni ones. The position is an absurd one in that any borough should have such ar. bitrarj power to flay, without the victint having the right to appeal. The corporations acknowledge that in many cases hardships are inflicted; and these almost rival Shylock’s desired treatment of Antonio. The Reform and the United Governments have each fruitlessly attempted to grapple with the difficulty and citizens fully expected that sensible alterations to the Act would have been placed before the “House” this year, but so far hope has not been the forerunner ©f justice.—l am, ete., COMMON SENSE. Palmerston North, August 19.