MASTERTON.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4523, 26 November 1901, Page 7

MASTERTON.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) Monday, 7.15 p.m.

A matter of considerable importance to ratepayers and local bodies has just been brought under notice. It appears that under a statute passed some years ago, ostensibly for the benefit of snowaffected districts in tho South Island, the system of land occupation known as tbei “ small grazing run system ” was introduced. Under this system a person bolding 1000 acres of Crown land or over is entitled to constitute his property a “small grazing run.” In Masterton district there are numerous small grazing runs, and it has boon found that those contribute only one tithe of vhe rates of freeholders or of those holding land under different tenures. An illustration of the effect of tho system may be found in the Langdale estate. One man bolds 995 acres of this estate r,n the lease in perpetuity system. lie will pay ordinary taxes to the local authority. Another holds 1030 acres, which lie intends bringing under the small grazing run system. Tho rates of this holder at 6 per cent, on the capital value will be much lower than those of his neighbour, probably one-tenth. Mr John Fraser, Government Land Valuer, of Masterton, lias just completed tho valuation of the Castlepoint County. He will next proceed to value the Akitio and Pahiatua Counties. , Tho valuation of Masterton Borough is not yet completed.