Rating Unimproved Values,

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 270, 23 November 1901, Page 3

Rating Unimproved Values,

(To the Editor of Times.)

S„j —The above is a question that has called forth a great deal of discussion in various parts of the colony, and one which , I think the ratepayers of Gisborne would 1 do well to study. It is probably a question • that has not received much attention here, but everything must have a beginning, and may as well hav e a start now, as it must in the course of tifup h° here in reality. I have long sinco come to the conclusion that the present system of local taxation is a most unjust and iniquitous ljjethod of raising Borough finances. In this Borough we have a large number of vacant sections ou which nothing of any account is paid towards the construction and repairs of the roads end footpaths which surround them, these sections are raised in value by those who build in close proximity to them; the holders of these sections are mostly people who have capital and can afford to hold item till the industrious class come and find it necessary to buy them at an exorbitant : price,’ and improve them by erecting houses, for which they are heavily fined by the local bodies. I think, sir that this taxation of industry in this colony is iust about played out. I am pleased to see that the city of Wellington ' has adopted the new system of taxation, ' which comes into force at the end of March next, there are two of the Boroughs in Auckland, and one or more in the South Island have also by very substantial majorities adopted the rating of unimproved land. I am quite prepared to hear some say this is another new fad, so it is, and cverv reform is voted a fad. old pensions.' manhood suffrage, female franchise, and other reforms have all been fads, but now they are realities, and have come to stay with us. Legislation has been passed which empowers the people to demand a vote on the question, and I think that the ratepayers could not i be better emplovcd than by giving a little I time to this matter, and getting all the i information possible, after which, I think thev would take advantage of the Act, and compel each vacant landholder to pay the proportion of taxation which he now escapes. In the hope of seeing a good health} discussion ou this subject by some who have information, and the subject at heart. —I am, etc., Reform.