UNIMPROVED VALUE RATING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11714, 25 July 1901, Page 4

UNIMPROVED VALUE RATING.

The City or Auckland is about to take a poll upoD the much-debated and much-disputed question of rating on unimproved values. The hot and continuous discussion which has been waged through our corresponi dence columns bears witness to the intense interest which the question arouses and to the uncertainty which surrounds it—saving always in the minds of those who are so firmly set on one or other side of the argument that they see no reason whatever in the opposing contention. While there are doubtless many who have quite made up their minds, as to their voting intention, we are decidedly of opinion that a greater number are still uncertain, not fully appreciating or not thoroughly understanding the issue. It is surely very desirable that these persons should be afforded every reasonable opportunity of having the matter elucidated before them so that they may • be able to decide . with some confidence this" exceed- . ingly serious - question. For this i purpose we would suggest that our Mayor should call a public meeting at which the subject should be discussed. We are satisfied that both , advocates and opponents of change t in rating method can be relied upon . to express themselves tersely, cour- . teously and intelligibly, and that . the rulings of either our Mayor or ' his lieutenant, -Mr. Kidd, would be l instantly submitted to ,by all. . Such . a meeting might at least help to ; clear away much confusion of ; thought as to the precise meaning • of the proposal and the exact pre- . sent and ultimate effect of , it. . Though confusion .would still re- , main it may reasonably be expected , that such a meeting would percept- ■ ibly reduce it and it would certainly attract an overflowing attendance. . Nothing should be left undone to .. .cause intelligent consideration of [ this, most serious question, for however lightly the thoughtless may ' speak of it, every thoughtful man . knows that it is in reality the most i revolutionary and far-reaching ever , placed before our citizens. This is "( not merely the opinion of those who '. have so stoutly and consistently op- , posed it, but is openly claimed by } its energetic and enthusiastic advo- , cates. Consequently if there ever ■: were need and occasion for public . meeting to be called by our city- , chief for the public discussion and _ public consideration of a great pub- ) lie question it is now.