LAND ASSESSMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 July 1933, Page 2

LAND ASSESSMENTS

MAGISTRATE’S STRONG COMMENTS [FEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, July 18. Section 45 of the Valuation of Land Act, which allows a property owner who is dissatisfied with a Government valuation to offer the property to the Valuer-General, was the subject of outspoken comment by Mr Hewitt, S.M., at the Assessment Court, to-day. The district valuer, Mr Fraser, had asked that evidence should be called in a certain case in which the owners had announced their intention of offering the property. Mr Hewitt replied that they had the right, and what was the use of calling evidence. Mr Fraser said the time had come when they c should make a stand. Mr Hewitt said it was no use wasting time. “I quite understand the position,” he said “I have made it plain that I think this section leads to an extremely unfair position. However, neither you nor I are responsible for it. We did' not make the law. It is a right, the owner has. Mr Mackenzie: It will be illuminating to you and other members of the Court to hear the evidence.

Mr Hewitt: Nothing could illuminate me. I have.had enough illumination throughout New Zealand already. I think this thing is a farce. I may say that, in Auckland with 170 objectors in one day there was not a single case heard, but everybody offered at prices they never intended to sell at, but. it is the law. Mr Mackenzie: I think publicity may stop them. Mr Hewitt: Stop them! The more publicity you give it the more offers you will have. I have never kept this secret. 1 have always felt this way about it. It is a right they have in law, and they can exercise it. That, it leads to an extremely unfair position, with regard to other ratepayers, is not your fault or mine.