RATING IN MOUNT EDEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 639, 16 April 1929, Page 11

RATING IN MOUNT EDEN

t UNIMPROVED SYSTEM E PROPOSED r E RATEPAYERS WILL VOTE l At present a system of rating on improved values prevails in the Borough ; of Mount Eden, but it was reported at last evening’s meeting that a petition signed by 700 ratepayers had been | lodged asking that a poll be taken to ? decide whether the systerp should be r changed to one of rating on unimproved values. I In describing the present system, the . Mayor, Mr. E. H. Pottei*, said he did - not wish to take sides. At present the ■’ annual value system was applied to all , vacant sections. Under the system of ’ rating in the district vacant sections » contributed a full proportion of rates ‘ to the revenue, and more than would be . collected under the unimproved rate • system. If the system of unimproved rating [ was approved by the ratepaj*ers, the . rates at present paid on many of the unimproved sections would become ' less, while large buildings, such as theatres, shops and factories would also pay less. The amount of rates lost on these buildings would have to be made good by those who occupied average dwellings. The petitioners obviously intended, said the Mayor, that the unimproved system of rating should become general throughout the Auckland district. However, it was not a question for the council to decide or one on which it should direct the ratepayers how to vote. Some discussion took place concerning the legal aspect of the date appointed for the poll, which had been fixed for May 6. and it was decided that the clerk should confer with the borough solicitors and with the petitioners. with a view to having it changed to May 8, the da,y of the transport loan poll. Various councillors expressed the opinion that it would be a great mistake for ratepayers to sanction the change. Members thought it likely that many ratepayers might not realise the full meaning of the change, and were emphatic that both sides of the question should be made absolutely clear to the public before the poll was held. Cr. S. Newcomb expressed the opinion of the council when he moved “That this council considers the system of rating on unimproved values to be detrimental to the interests of the majority of the residents of Mount Eden.” The resolution was carried unanimously.