BOROUGH VALUATIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 145, 1 July 1901, Page 2

BOROUGH VALUATIONS.

(To the Editor of the Times.) Sir, — ■“ Worker ” takes a fair view of the rating question, but lie quite misunderstands my position. lam not seeking for higher rating, or to harass anybody, but for equalisation, by which all properties will bear a fair share. Why, for instance, should a £OOO property have boon placed at £BO, when perhaps men like Worker have a £2OO cottage"assessed at £000? What I contend is that there should be equalisation ; put values at what they should be, and if it means a substantial total increase then reduce the rates. As to sentimental value, if we went by that the value would run into millions. When Picrpont Morgan wont to Paris it was said that lie was just having a look round, but had not yet decided whether ho would buy Paris. If the multi-millionaire came to dear old Gisborne could even ho buy it if sentimental values were taken ? No one should bo harassed ; give us equalisation. There has been so much property changing hands in Gisborne recently that it should be very easy to make a fair allround assessment: it must be noted that I have refrained from touching upon the subject of taxation of public houses — that is a subject which should be tackled by itself, independent of rating generally. I take it that public house goodwill cannot possibly bo taxed by way of general rates, except by special legislation. Now as to the Chairman of the Harbor Board and Mr Hepburn. “ More taxation,” says the latter. Is this a wither give-away? If Mr Hepburn’s property is fairly assessed how can it mean more taxation ? If it is under assessed then why should a member of the Harbor Board escape paying a fair share of rates ? Equalisation will only mean that those who are not paying a fair share will be fairly treated, and no doubt they will squeak. The Chairman says, “ I don’t know what others have to complain of. I think I am paying enough now.” Is this, then, the position taken up by our respected Chief Magistrate and Chairman of Harbor Board? It is not surprising that when one at the head of affairs takes up such a stand the Secretary of the Board and others should follow suit. Previously I have given some glaring examples of under assessment. Now I will give an instance on the other side : A certain property in town was for years under offer for much less than the assessment. I bought it for £IOO under the assessed value. I may bo met by my own argument, will I sell it for the assessed value? but putting ail these questions aside, how can Mr Townley justify the Victoria sections being assessed at £0 to £l7 per quarter acre when it is probable that not one can be purchased for £OO ? Why does not the Chairman of the Harbor Board look into those matters instead of worrying about loss important matters ? Hoes ho see nothing to complain of in the fact that some people's homes are over-assessed, while corner sections are proved in the open market to be worth nearly £BOOO over the assessed value ? “ I think I am paying enough now,” says Mr Townley. Well, will Mr Townley kindly let us know at what value his property is assessed at, and wo might set his thoughts at rest. —I am, etc., . Frank Harris.