IF RATES WERE PAID!

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVII, Issue 4403, 10 June 1933, Page 5

IF RATES WERE PAID!

BE REDUCED BY HALF. .When the question of fixing rates on the basis for the notice of motion necessary for the striking of them was u'nder discussion at the Waitomo County Council meeting yesterday, Cr. Webster stated that as the ratepayers could pot meet the 2d rate, he could not see how they could hope to collect rates of 3d. There might be a deficiency, but it was hoped that it would be small. However, he stated, if there were a 100 per cent, of rates collected, the rate would be in the vicinity of l%d or Id. The Clerk: Probably less than that.

“If the rates on native land were paid, and there was a 100 per cent, collection over the whole riding, the special rates would also come down. Would it cause them to come down by 50 per cent.?” asked Cr. Webster. The Clerk: Pretty well. Cr. Webster visualised the position if this could be brought to pass, when, the rates having been reduced by 50 per cent., farmers would be in a position to keep up practically the 100 per cent, payments. The Clerk said it was a wrong opinion that the Waitomo County was in a very unfavourable position as far as the largeness of the rates struck was concerned.

Cr. Neal stated that if there were proper valuations, the rating figures would be very greatly increased. Land was valued up to 200 per cent, higher than it should be. The Chairman: “At the present time the greatest difficulties are the facts that revaluation is taking place from time to time, and the old question of the Crown as mortgagee; these are pressing very heavily upon certain sections in rating areas, especially where the property is fairly good. This causes what appears to me to be an unreasonable burden upon such properties.” The revaluation of properties, he continued, was disturbing the rating question fairly considerably and was heaping greater burdens on certain properties. While it was right to make the better land pay a larger proportion, it was not right to double and treble it, as has been the case in some instances.

Notice of motion was given that the following rates be struck: — Aria, 2d; Aw'akino, l%d (!4d reduction); Hangatiki, 2%d; Mah'oenui, l%d ( V H d reduction); Mairoa, 2%d (Vzd reduction); Paemako, 2d; Tangitu, 2%d; Te JKuiti, 2%d.