CITY VALUATIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21727, 16 February 1934, Page 12

CITY VALUATIONS

LODGING OF OBJECTIONS

HALF LAST YEAR'S NUMBER

FEWER ALSO IN NEWMARKET

Only about half the number of objections lodged last year against the valuations of ratable property in the city have been received this year by the city valuer, Mr. P. F. Notlev. Yesterday was the last day on which such objections could be accepted, and although definite figures had not been made up yesterday, Mr. Notlev said the number was only approximately 1000. as against nearly 2QOO received last year.

The total number of assessments made this year was 31,490, as against 34,579 last year. This reduction is accounted for principally by the fact that this year the valuers, for the sake of simplification, have merged blocks of offices into one assessment instead of dealing with them separately.

' The reduction in the number of objections seems to ho indicative of a greater stability in values, and an easing in the general financial situation," Mr. Notlev said.

No definite date has yet been fixed for the sitting of the Assessment Court to hear the objections, but it will probably be before Easter. In the meantime, the staff of the city valuer's department will interview objectors, and it is anticipated that, as in past years, settlements will be reached in a great many cases. Those in which no agreement can be reached will be dealt with by the Assessment Court. A smaller number of objections has been received this year also by the Newmarket Borough Council. Yesterday was the last day for their reception. The number of valuations questioned this year is 170, as against 215 last year.