COUNTIES AND VALUATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19831, 29 December 1927, Page 8

COUNTIES AND VALUATIONS.

It has been revealed by the Minister of Lands that revaluations of land have had a reflex action by reducing seriously the rate revenue of counties in which the process has been extensive. One of those things never realised until attention is drawn to them, this appeals at once as an inevitable result from the process of bringing rural valuations back to a reasonable level. When the bubble of inflation is pricked the consequences are liable to be far more widespread, and in some instances more recondite than anybody expected. It is especially unfortunate for the counties, since. extensive demands have been made on them for road construction and for more efficient maintenance than has sufficed in the past. It can be well understood that in those districts where there has been much action in accord with the recommendations of the Deteriorated Lands Commissions. the counties must he facing a most serious and probably quite unforeseen setback to their finances Yet the outcome is difficult to see. The Minister speaks of assistance being given from the Consolidated and Public Works Funds. Something may be done in this way, but it cannot be continued indefinitely. The logical issue is that the counties should cut their coats according to their cloth, but since many of them have heavy roading commitments the reduction of annual expenditure will be no easy task. The return of land values to a sound level will evidently leave these unfortunate rural local authorities in a very difficult position.