METHOD OF TAXATION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 217, 10 June 1944, Page 8

METHOD OF TAXATION

Makara County Council Dissatisfied

Opinions expressed on the recent poll which carried rating upon unimproved . value had shown great variance, said the newly-elected chairman of the Makara County Council, Mr. 15. Windley, at the meeting of the council yesterday, and it appeared to him that it would be a fit question to bring before the Parliamentary committee which bad been set tip to go into the question of land valuations. It was quite obvious, Mr. Windley continued, that rating upon the unimproved value simply shifted the burden of taxation from the shoulders of one class of ratepayers to those of another clasd. The new system would increase the burden on the farming community to a considerable extent. He moved that the council ask the Parliamentary committee if there was a case for them to investigate. Cr. R. W. Bothamley said he understood that a new valuation was to be made. Numerous other counties were working satisfactorily under rating upon the unimproved value. The council would be well advised before it did anything, and to wait and see what happens. Cr. A. D. Park said the method of rating was for the ratepayers to decide. Out of 124 counties in the Dominion, 50 were satisfied with rating upon unimproved value. He had no objection to the question of rating being investigated by an impartial tribunal. “No system of rating appears to 'be satisfactory unless it hits the other fellow’s pocket harder than ft hits yourg,” he continued. The only solution was to take another poll of the ratepayers. 1 , Cr. P. J. Clark said that as one of those who had supported the change,, he thought it was going to be a good thing. Under the old system vacant sections had to pay 6/- a year in taxation, finder the new they would have to- pay £3. Or. P. Tulloch, in seconding the motion, said the matter should have been left alone at the present time. The subject had not been properly explained to the ratepayers. , , Upon being put to the vote, the motion was carried.