RATING OF THE BOROUGH.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1926, Page 9

RATING OF THE BOROUGH.

UNIMPROVED OR IMPROVED? WATER AND DRAINAGE SCHEMES CO-OPERATION OF BUSINESS MEN s Whether the rating system of the boTough of New Plymouth should be revised in order to give increased revenue was a question discussed by the council of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce last night. Arguments against rating on the unimproved value were advanced, and incidentally an appeal was made to business men to take a greater interest in municipal affairs, Mr. P. E. Stainton said a ridiculously small sum was received annually by the borough from rates. He thought they should consider revising the system of rating on the unimproved value in order to obtain the revenue possible under the old system. The chamber should give the borough a lead. Mr. T. C. List said that it was possible to get the same amount under the present system as it was when rates were levied on the improved value. It was only a matter of raising the rates if the present revenue were insufficient for the efficient administration of the borough’s affairs. It was too late now to alter the system. The time to have moved was when the itinerant people came round to tell them of the advantages of rating on the unimproved value. The advocates of the system had collected much information and organised, but efforts to induce the other side to net similarly had been unsuccessful.

Mr. W. J. Penn said he did not know of one place that had reverted to the old system. At the same time he did not believe in the present method of rating.

"But if the system is against the best Interests of the town we should move against it, even if we do not win the day,” said Mr. Stainton. Mr. J. H. Holm: Quite a number of people believe we should go back to the old system in order to rate the big buildings in the town. Mr. 8. Viekere said in the Taranaki eounty they had found that those who were highly rated under the old system obtained considerable reductions when levied on the uniTnproved values. Others, again, paid more. It was merely an adjustment between the landowners. It had been found, too, that land was valued on its prospective worth. Thus a neglected farm and a neighbouring improved place wou.k. near the same value. The unimproved value rose more quickly than the improved value. MORE INTEREST IN BOROUGH. The discussion had arisen out of a suggestion by Mr. McNeill that the business men should comply with the request of the Borough Council to give them a lead regarding the comprehensive water, drainage and electric schemes they were to place before the ratepayers. The population was increasing, he said, and it was essential a move should be made. With reference to increased revenue from rates, he knew of a property between Liardet and Cover Streets that was valued at £3O a foot, but would not be sold to day for £l2O per foot. There was ample room for an increase in rates.

Mr. Stainton thought it would be an excellent idea if the chamber and the Borough Council got together and discussed the schemes on the spot. The borough had asked for the co-operation of business people, and it was time, he thought, that they took an interest in the matter. As laymen they had not sufficient knowledge to offer helpful criticism.

Mr. Penn pointed out that there was really nothing before the ratepayers at present and there was nothing to discuss. The engineer’s report had merely been adopted by the council and the proposals would be explained later. Mr. Stainton contended that now was the time when the business people should be made acquainted with the schemes. He appealed to business people to take more interest in municipal affairs.