PROPERTY VALUATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9090, 26 June 1888, Page 5

PROPERTY VALUATIONS.

In accordance with a resolution passed at a meeting of ratepayers of Northcote and Birkenhead, held at the Gladston Hall on Wednesday last, a deputation of five gentlemen, Messrs. A. Bruce, A. Wilson, J. Faulkner, T. Hilditch, and E. G. Lind, waited on Mr. Seaman on Friday, the 22nd instant, to ascertain what were his views as to the present value of properties, as compared with his assessment in 1885. Mr. Bruce said he did not approve of the petition which had been drafted by Mr. Hawcs, the convener of the meeting, asking the Government not to re-appoint Mr. Seaman as valuator for the district, nor, indeed, of taking any such action until they had afforded that gentleman an opportunity of making known the principles by which he would be guided if again so employed amongst them. The deputation had no desire to coerce Mr. Seaman in any way, but they would be glad to know whether he did not consider that their properties had decreased in value during the last two or three years, and if so, whether he would give effect to that opinion in the forthcoming assessment? The other members of the deputation fully endorsed the views of Mr. Bruce, Mr. Wilson expressing regret that his remarks at the meeting had not been reported, for he there stated that he did not in ISSS consider Mr. Seaman's valuations excessive, and ho maintained that opinion still, knowing' that at that time very high prices were freely given for properties throughout their district, but he felt sure that those prices could not now be obtained, and he had full confidence in Mr. Seaman that he would value only accordingto their present marketable vaiue. Mr. Faulkner entertained precisely the same opinion, and remarked that he thought Mr. Seaman had in his valuation acted fairly and considerately, and had always consulted the properly owners before fixing the values; and moreover, if not satisfied, they had the opportunity to appeal against the assessment, but which very few had availed themselves of. Mr. Seaman, in reply, thanked the deputation for the compliment they had paid him in seeking this interview, and assured them that he was fully alive to the almost general depreciation of landed properties, owing to the prevailing depression, arising, in his opinion, from lost confidence and heavy taxation, and that in whatever districts he might be employed by the Government as their valuator, he should bo actuated by the same principles which had hitherto guided him, and which he considered the only sound ones, namely, to value properties at their present value, not being influenced on the one hand by fictitious sales, or agreements to purchase when, perhaps, but small deposits, if any, were paid ; nor, on the other hand, by prices obtained at forced sales, but by fair and legitimate sales, or by prices which owners desiring to sell were willing to accept, and purchasers to give, and that for cash, or on terms equivalent thereto, namely, a substantial cash payment, and the balance on mortgage at current rates of interest; taking care, moreover, always to confer with owners who wore get-at-able. In retiring, the deputation thanked Mr. Seaman for his courtesy, and expressed themselves as being favourably impressed with his views on the subject of their interview.