VALUATION OF LAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21554, 27 July 1933, Page 11

VALUATION OF LAND

RIGHTS OF OWNERS AMENDMENT TO BE MADE FARMERS AND CROWN AREAS [by TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Wednesday Speaking at the luncheon to delegates at tlio counties' conference today, tlio Minister of Lands, the Hon. h>. A. Ransom, said it had been suggested the Government should hold itself liable to counties for the indebtedness of farmers occupying Crown lands. If the Government adopted that course the money would have to be found by the Consolidated Fund, which would involvo extra taxation. Strong representations had been made for the revaluation of farm land, said Mr. Ransom. If lie believed that revaluation would place tlio industry on a sound footing it would not take him long to placo legislation before the Cabinet, but ho knew perfectly well that if revaluation did take place county councils would immediately strike a higher rate in order to carry on their affairs, and the individual farmer would bo no better off as far ag his indebtedness to_ local bodies was concerned. Under the Valuation of Land Act, 1925, property owners could obtain a special valuation of their properties, continued the Minister, and on failing to obtain a value which was low enough in their estimation they could offer the property to the Government at their own valuation. If the Government did not purchase tlio property at that value, it had to reduce the value for rating purposes to that figure. The question of amending tlioso sections had been exorcising tlio mind of the Government for some time, and it had been decided to proceed with an amendment during the coming session of Parliament.