POLITICAL NOTES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 September 1924, Page 4

POLITICAL NOTES

HAW ERA COUNTY. (By Telegraph.—Special to. Star). . WELLINGTON, Sept. 17. The Prime Minister, replying to Mr O. Hawken’s suggestion that he will instruct the Valuation Department to make an immediate revaluation of the county of Hawera, stated that as the * aluation Department has revalued practically ail rural and pastoral lands in the Dominion since 1014. and has consistently observed a prerwar basis value, until there are indications of stability or. otherwise of the existing puces for products for a reasonable period, it would certainly result in a greater risk of erroir than the basis now m use. There are therefore reasonable grounds for continuing to use the existing valuation rolls until economic conditions have become more settled. Official records relating to land transactions in Hawera County go to show that properties have' been sold since 1922 at prices in excess of the Government valuation, and in some cases properties which were, purchased at prices greatly in excess of Government valuation Lave realised less than valuation, owing either to foreclosures or deterioration of improvements. 1

• A SOLDIER’S FARM Mr. Corrigan (Patea) asked the Min-' ister for Lands .whether he will, now that he has read the correspondence between J. J. O’Reilly and the chairman of the Dominion devaluation Boaid, grant such relief as is reasonable and adequate. The Minister for Lands replied that this case is in the hands of the Dominion Revaluation Board,; which has ordered a further valuation, and will review the case on reeciot ef the valuation.

TARANAKI CROWN TENANTS ' A SPECIAL REPORT. . The Hon. A. D. McLecd, Minister for Lands states that it has been tUdded to obtain a special report in regarcl to the position of Crown settlers in Whangamamona, Kaitieke, -and Waitomo districts, and the question of including Kawhia district will be considered. llie object of the inspection is not necessarily for the purpose of giving lelief to settlers by wav of a permanent reduction of rentals,’'but to supply the Department w-ith a report, as to the best methods of dealing with a variety of disabilities with which settlers in the localities mentioned—are apparently confronted..