RATING SYSTEMS.

Evening Star, Issue 21709, 2 May 1934, Page 13

RATING SYSTEMS.

TO THB EDITOR. Sir, —“Unimproved” asserts that the_ large buildings referred to by “ Worker ” would “ more than likely ” have their rates increased under the unimproved value system. That rather child-like assertion is definitely answered by examples quoted in the City' Council report—e.g., “large buildings (offices and rooms) approaching the ‘ skyscraper ’ type of building standing on 29.5 poles, now pays £751 7s 3d; would pay under the unimproved value system £3lO 17s 2d.” Certainly this is no increase, and the deficiency has to be made up by sonieone, since, whatever the system, the total amount collected must remain the same. Again. “ Hotel standing on 13 poles, pays £42 10s; would pay £6 0s 6d.” Another deficiency to be made up by someone. And again, “Picture theatre, etc., standing on quarter-acre pays £266 4s 3d under present system: under unimproved value would pay £94 4s—another gift to be made up from somewhere, it would seem then “ more than likolv ” that “ Unimproved ” is wrong and “Worker” is right. The two examples quoted by “ Unimproved ” mean nothing, since he does not state what the properties would pay under the capital system nor give other necessary particulars. Next, “ Unimproved ” states that all the other centres cannot be wrong and Dunedin be right, yet he omits to mention that Auckland, the biggest centre in New Zealand, rates on the same system as we do in Dunedin. “Unimproved ’’ is wrong again. “ Unimproved ” is prepared to show receipts from two boroughs under the unimproved value system. This certainly suggests that “ Unimproved ” is more blessed with this world’s goods than “Worker” and a good many more of us. It suggests, indeed, a nigger in the woodpile. Finally, “ Unimproved ” states:' “If you ‘are the unfortunate owner of a bouse which you are compelled to let, and have a tenant who cannot'pay or-will not pay his rent, you still have to pay Tates.” Surely it is making it a bit too hot to suggest that under the, unimproved value system landlords who suffer such misfortunes are let off rate free.—l am, etc., Another Worker. ' May 1.