URBAN FARM RATING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21503, 29 May 1933, Page 8

URBAN FARM RATING

In compliance with the provisions of the Urban Farm Rating Act, which became law last December, the Auckland City Council is now preparing a farm-land list. The properties concerned are those of not less than three acres, which are liable to be rated separately and are used exclusively or principally for agriculture, horticulture or pastoral purposes, or for the keeping of bees or poultry by persons whose income is substantially derived from these pursuits. In the case of areas of less than three acres, similarly used, application may be made for similar treatment. The Act applies to all boroughs, all town districts that are not part of counties, and to the road districts within the County of Eden. Thus derating may be sought not only by the farmers of Tamaki and Avondale, which districts were brought into the city by the merging movement, but also by those of the Mount Iloskill, Mount Wellington and Panmure road districts, which are included in Eden County; by those of the boroughs of New Lynn, Northcote, Birkenhead, Takapuna and Devonport; and by those of the independent town districts of Hen eft rson, Glen Eden, Howick, Papatoetoe, Manurewa, and Papakura, all of which come within the boundaries of what is known as Greater Auckland. If a local authority does not take the initiative in the matter of preparing a farm-list, it can be compelled to do so by applications from ratepayers who can make out a prima facie case for relief under the Act. The first question for d local authority to

determine is whether land submitted for inclusion on the list is the means of livelihood of the occupier. The greatest difficulty of those who framed the Act was presented by the holding of land for subdivision purposes, but there appears no loophole to enable the speculator to obtain undeserved benefit. In determining the rateable value of these urban farm lands, local authorities are to consider whether the rates payable are excessive or unduly burdensome, the municipal services available, the incidence of general, special and separate rates, and whether any reduction would be likely to impose an undue burden on other ratepayers. Objections may be carried to the Assessment Court, which is to be guided by the same considerations. Thus, whatever measure of relief is granted to the farmers, horticulturists and small holders of the urban areas will conform to general principles of equity and sound finance within their own districts.