Validity of Dunedin Rating List Challenged

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 60, 11 March 1940, Page 9

Validity of Dunedin Rating List Challenged

SERIOUS POSITION MAY ARISE Per Press Association. r , DUNEDIN, March 8. The validity of the rating Jist compiled by the City Valuer will be challenged by local solicitors at a sitting of the Dunedin Assessment Court on Monday. Should the Judge uphold their contentions it is probable that an unusual 'position will arise as a result of which the City Council may be prevented from levying rates on the new valuations. Whether or not tho list is declared invalid the sitting of the Court promises to create considerable Public interest, for tho increased valuations resulted in tho lodging of n ° fewer than .1020 objections of which fewer than 300 have been withdrawn. The endeavour of the solicitors to prove that tho list is not valid will, if successful, create serious difficulties for the City Council for it, will be necessary for the city to be revalued, but in this lies a further serious legal difficulty. According to the Rating Act the rating list must be closed on January 15 of each year. It is pointed out. that if the present list in invalid it will be impossible for the new list to be closed by the required date of this year. Consequently it is believed by ratepayers who have taken a keen interest in the position that it will be necessary for a special Act of Parliament. to be passed before the new list can become legal and before the City Council will bo able to levy rates for the year.