LAND VALUATION ACT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21358, 6 December 1932, Page 10

LAND VALUATION ACT

RIGHTS OF OWNERS QUESTION OF AMENDMENTS [by telegraph—special reporter] "WELLINGTON, Monday At the beginning of the session it was hnnounced that the Government would in-ing down amendments to the Valuation Land Act to overcome disabilities imposed in,these stringent times by sections 95 and 50 of the Act. Under these sections property owners may apply for new valuations, or, if dissatisfied with the Values fixed by the Assessment Court, they may give notice to the Crown to reduce the capital values or to acquire the properties. It is stated that many property owners, realising that the Crown is financially Embarrassed, and unwilling to buy isolated areas of land, have taken advantage, particularly of the secoad of these rights under the Act, although the provisions were originally intended for other purposes. For some time the Government lias been Considering suitable amendments to the Act, and it is understood that a bill has actually been framed. Many objections have been made, however, to the Crown removing the only protection which property owners have against unfair valuations, and it now appears certain that the Government will not take action this year, although it may do so when »ne session is resumed in January.