LAND VALUATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1929, Page 8

LAND VALUATION.

Land owners throughout New Zealand are likely to concur in the belief expressed by the Minister of Lands (Hon. G. W. Forbes) that a uniform system of land valuation was necessary. The Minister admitted that considerable differences existed between the unimproved valuation of lands in some parts of the Dominion as compared with others. Mr, Forbes added that it was most difficult to bring about a more even system of assessment, particularly in the case of highly improved lands, compared with those which had required little improvement. His predecessor in office (Mr. MeLeod) once said rather bluntly that land owners could never be satisfied with the work of the State valuers. The conflict of interests between ’values for taxation purposes and values for the purpose

of borrowing or selling land was unceasing, and it was impossible to reconcile them. Mr. Forbes is not so pessimistic. He thinks it is possible to bring about improvement in the system that will make “taxation over the whole of the cc/mtry fairer and more equitable than it is now.” The possibility should certainly be explored to the fullest extent. In pre-war years the question of farm valuation was practically determined by sales in each district, and under conditions that obtained then this rough and ready assessment was sufficient. Since then the pressure of economic conditions has made it necessary to value land mainly upon its productivity, though it is admitted that circumstances, such as means of transport, and proximity to centres of population, may have to be taken into account. The Valuation Department has already begun the practice of seeking the advice of local farmers in making their assessments. An extension of this practice, and a conference of the expert officers of the department, as suggested by the Minister, ought to result in the elimination of anomalies which seem invariably to press harshly upon the unfortunate taxpayer. There is no hope of any Ministry making taxation popular, but to make it equitable should not be beyond the power of capable. administration.