Valuation Lists.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 27, 1 February 1901, Page 3

Valuation Lists.

HEAVY TAX ON LOCAL BODIES,

A bill was presented to the Harbor Board yesterday for .£7l 10s 6d, from the Valuation Department, for revision of the roll. Tho Chairman said that tho charge seemed very high, and in addition to that in many eases the entries in the rating book were entirely wrong : the charge would be bad enough even if the list was made up correctly.

Mr Clark suggested that there might be sonic mistake in the charge—they should point out that the roll was not correctly made up. Mr Maefarlanc said that on all the counties complaining, a substantial reduction of charges had been made, and the charge was made payable in two instalments.

Mr Sicvwright' said that a body like the Whntaupoko Boad Board was being charged ,£'29 os. The Chairman said that when the principle was adopted some Councillors wanted to have it adopted in tho Borough, but he said it was best to wait until they saw what effect it had; the Borough got its valuation done for £lO. yet hero was a road board with a total rovenue of £390 being charged £29 for a roll that was not made up correctly, while the borough’s roll was correct.

Mr Sicvwright, while agreeing that the charge was too much, said he did not sec what they could do, Mr Clark : AA'e must not sit down and be taxed like this without kicking. It seems to me the charge is ridiculous, The Chairman : For revising tho roll it Is very excessive. Mr Macfarlane said it would be interesting to find out the cost for revising all the rolls,

Mr Sicvwright said that in the case of the AYhataupoko there had been a full and elaborate revision, which might mean an extra charge. It certainly seemed a yerv heavy one.

Mr Clark: AYe might before paying ask for an explanation. The Secretary said he could get the work done for £2O, and it would be correct —the present roll was most inaccurate. Mr Clark: AVoll, point that out to thorn.

Mr Sicvwright: AVe might ask them the principle on which it is made. The Chairman said there had been a great many alterations made, things that were correct being made incorrect. It was resolved to hold the account over, and ask for an explanation.