GREATER AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19454, 9 October 1926, Page 9

GREATER AUCKLAND.

Sir, —Mr. Page Rowe, in his article on town planning, refers particularly to Mount Eden and the probability of increasing the rates in that area, if* amalgamation with the city should take place. Being a ratepayer of the Mount Eden borough, perhaps my views on rates and valuations as thev affect me now, are not out of place. I purchased a new house from the builders just over 12 months ago in the Dominion Road area, beyond the tram terminus, paying just under £llOO, on liberal terms. The annual capital ratable value of the section alone was £4, the erection of a four-roomed house, plus kitchenette, bathroom and conveniences, including a septic tank, raised the annual ratable value to £4B. This year the valne has been increased another £4 (without notice), to £52, making, tho capital value of the property at 5 per cent., £IO4O. Thus the value "for rating purposes is practically tho price I paid, and this has to be stated on the notice of transfer to the council, allowing only a small margin to the vendor for expenses and agent's commission. As a matter of fact, 1 know that tho vendor disposed of a second mortgago at a considerable discount, which I could have benefited by, if the cash was available. A friend built a similar house oil tho waterside of Remuera, also beyond the terminus in the city area, on a much larger section, the "whole place costing him more than mine did me. A council bus connecting with the trams passes his door, yet his annual valuation last year was £42. Although the city rates are on a slightly higher basis than the Mount Eden rates, his annual rates were less than mine on a better property. I have lo pay a separate account for water, £1 6s 8d as a minimum, into the bargain. Amalgamation on the present values would certainly mean an increase in rates, as stated by Mr. Potter, but the question of revaluing the whole area comprising Greater Auckland on a uniform basis should be the first consideration of those endeavouring to bring about a realisation of one local authority for this area. W hen the ratepayers of Mount Eden realise tha they are actually paying higher rates than in the city through having . higher values, I feel sure that tho opposition would disappear, especially if there is an undertaking to level up values on amalgamation 1 could quote several other instances of rating values in other parts of the city area, which show the same result and nil these places are connected with the drainage system. The number of streets off Mount Eden Road and Dominion Road with the notice "No exit" alongside the name shows what happens through lack of co-ordination between local bodies and t 0 my mind is a splendid argument m favour of one administrative body. Interested.