TASK OF LAND VALUERS

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1929, Page 13

TASK OF LAND VALUERS

CRITICISM IN PARLIAMENT. (By Wire —Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, Last Night. “There will always be differences of opinion in regard to the method of carrying out valuations,” remarked the Minister in charge of the Valuation Department (the Hon. G. W. Forbes) when replying to a brief discussion which took place on the presentation of the Valuation Department's report in the House •of Representatives to-day. The question of what should be proper valuation was a matter of opinion, said the Minister. Much depended upon whether a valuation was required for loan or taxation purposes. A good deal depended upon the different times at' which valuations were made. It had been said the valuation should depend on the country’s productive value. There was a good deal of difference of opinion as to what was the productive value. Land in the hands of a capable farmer would produce more than that farmed by a poor farmer. If the valuations were based on the productive value of a first-class farmer’s operations a man not doing quite so well might consider his valuation too high. It had been suggested that valuers should undergo some training. A valuer was expected to be a practical man. He had to know his district thoroughly, and a good deal of judgment' was required. The Minister said ho knew complaints were made in regard to valuations, that valuations were too low and that they were too high. One could realise that the job of a valuer was very difficult. The department did its best to get the best men possible, but there had always, been different opinions. Mr. W. H. Field: They ought to have practical farmers valuing land. . The Minister: That is the thing aimed at—to get men who have practical experience in farming. Mr. Field: We have not got them. The Minister: The trouble is to get practical valuers to take up the work. Mr. W. L. Martin: You won’t pay them enough. The Minister: The perfect valuer is not to be secured. If there are special complaints I will have inquiries made..