VALUATIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16564, 30 May 1914, Page 14

VALUATIONS.

INIQUITIES OF THE PRESENT

SYSTEM. Every year the North Canterbury Farmers' "Conference discusses the iniquities of tho system of valuation, and yesterday the subject was revived. Mr E. P. Burbury (Waiau) moved:— " That in estimating the value of improvements the Government Valuer should bo very careful to procure all available information as to the condition of each separate farm in its original or native state, especially with a view to the expenses incurred by the clearing of bush, scrub, flax, mggerheads or other noxious growths, levelling and draining, and generally bringing the land into a suitable condition for cult'.vation to fodow, We should also take into consideration the time that such operation may require and the consequent loss of revenue during that period." ~',, A .. i. Mr J. R. Cullen said tnat, though the land was improved by the farmer, the question put was whether the owner would sell at the valuation made, in any case, the difference made in the actual rates and taxes was very small, and the farmer reaped a great benefit from his improvements. ... Mr C. Reid stated that in the interests of the whole dominion, farmers and workers alike, every inducement possible should be given to the occupiers of land to improve their land, and a good means of doing that was to have allowance made for the money put into land in improving the quality of the land. The remit was earned. Mr J. G. Stanton (Kaiapoi) then moV ed:—" That the present method of land valuation is unsatisfactory. He said that valuers did not actually see the land thev valued. The system of valuing on tho basis of 6ales of other properties in the vicinity, was wrong, and it was unjust to value on prospective sale prices. It was absurd to value land used for agricultural value on the assumed price that would be obtained for it in residential sections. Experienced farmers should be appointed to work with valuers. At the wish of the chairman, Mr Enso.k the mover put forward a_ remit carried two veurs ago, in which it was urged that the Government should appoint a local valuer to work with the Government Valuer. Mr J. R. Cullen enid that one farmer in his district had objected to a valuation at £l6 per aero, but a week later when he wanted to sell he asked £2o per acre. All taxation had to come out of the land, and it was no good objecting to it Tho remit was carried.