WELLINGTON VALUATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14244, 19 June 1908, Page 5

WELLINGTON VALUATIONS.

REPLY TO MR JUSTICE EDWARDS. (Pee United Press Association.) „ x. WELLINGTON, June 18. Concerning his Hor.or Mr Justice Mwardss statement at Auckland yesterday that sometimes Government valuations were "monstrously and. preposterously nigh, and that "Wellington was over- , a I'ost reporter made inquiries at the Valuation Office this morning, and was informed that the valuations for Wellington city properties are below the selling values. This fact can be demonstrated hy an examination of tho sales register I i s .P° L lntDd m,t bv th e Valuation Office that it has nothing to do with an increase m local'.rates, and that an increase in valuations decs not mean that local rates and taxes are increased. The requirements of a local authority have to be met whether the valuations are high or low. In Wellington, as compared with other cities, it is submitted that values must be higher than elsewhere, particularly in the business parts of tho city. The increase of shipping facilities, activity on' the part of local authorities, tramway erosion the opening up of tho interior, and Wellington's central position all combined to enhance values. It is understood that a revaluation will probably take place in Wellington in tho near future, with a view to adjusting values.