THE SHOE BEGINS TO PINCH.

Evening Star, Issue 9161, 16 June 1893, Page 4

THE SHOE BEGINS TO PINCH.

abided to address to p&to Ppnier a memorial ombodyittg the rejMSwa wpiji have induced them to ai» ; bi the BVstem of local taJteWon, and to reqnefet that the subject may be conaideretlDVith a view to giving effect to theJfc'oposals 1$ necessary amendments in the Rating Act; Copies of tho memorial are to be forwarded to all county councils and road boards in the colony, inviting their co-operation. Tho following reasons are urged in support of the proposed change":—That the" present system of taxation is unfair and unequal. That the taxation of improvements for local purposes tends to stop the development of the country; whereas, were local bodies' empowered to tax on unimproved values only, improvements would be materially encouraged. That the proposals to relieve improvements frdm local taxation would tend to stop land being taken up for purely speculative purposes, and, further, would equalise taxation. That, the true land value being once ascertained, the heavy cost of triennial valuations would be saved, and the clerical expenses of local rating bodies thereby much reduced. That confidence would be given to intending purchasers, as they would then know the maximum amount which they could be called upon to pay in the shape "of local rates. That, the actual unimproved values being ascertained once and for all by competent experts, the serious discrepancies arising from. having numerous, valuers, whose opinions as to values differ widely, would disappear. It is recommended that in the event of the proposal to alter the system of taxation in the direction indicated being given effect to, the maximum rating power shouldcbe raised to 4d in the £ . That, with a view to the more equitable adjustment of the incidence of taxation to meet interest on special loans, local bodies should be empowered to raise *lf special rates, calculated on land Values only, to a sum sufficient to meet interest and annual charges on existing loans. That as it not uifrequently happens, in cases of small properties, that the amount of rate collectable is not sufficient to cover clerical charges, postage, etc., a minimum rate (in addition to any special rates) of say Is 6d should be ; paid on all properties the general and separate rates on which would not (at the rate struck by the local body) reach that amount. _____________