A Serious Charge.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 18, Issue 41, 21 May 1907, Page 5

A Serious Charge.

Auckland, May 18, At to-day's sitting of the Farmers' Union, Mr G. J. Garland moved: "That this branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union protest against the present system of land valuation, inasmuch as it applies to the recurrent unimproved values, and that the resolution be sent to the Colonial Conference, and that Captain Bell be also requested to bring the matter before the County Council Conference." Captain Bell made a very serious charge against the Government, He said he had referred to the subject at a recent meeting, and at the conclusion a man, who acted as Government valuer, told him that all he said was correct. This valuer stated that his figures had been altered in several instances after they were sent to Wellington. The valuations of improvements had been cut down to the extent of an average of 50 per cent, and the sums added on to unimproved values. This man, who was a practical farmer, stated that he intended to resign his position as a protest. The motion was carried.