Big Majority for Unimproved Rating

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6075, 11 July 1947, Page 5

Big Majority for Unimproved Rating

LEAMINGTON SETS RECORD r REPORT ON RECENT POLL “The result of the poll is proof that the new system was definitely wanted by the ratepayers,” said the chairman, Mr J. Blackman, at Wednesday night’s meeting of the Leamington Town Board in referring to the recent referendum to change the method of rating from capital to unimproved values. There were 54 votes for unimproved and 14 for the existing improved value of rating. Mr A. Looker stated that Learnington had established a record majority at a poll in favour 6f unimproved rating. The preyious record had been held by Matamata where there was a 70 per cent, majority. The secretary, Mr R. S. Entwistle elicited the fact that practically all of the votes had ben cast by ratepayers living in Leamington. Only four out of 25 Cambridge residents with property in Leamington had voted. Although the poll did not / close until 7 p.m., the last vote was recorded at 5,20 p.m., added Mr Entwistle. Proposed Loans.

Lengthy correspondence was - received in connection with the board’s proposed loans ,of £SOOO for roading and £2OOO for housing. In connection with the roading loan, it was intimated that the life of a sealed highway was 25 years, and it was not likely that a loan extending over 30 years would be approved. The board has applied for a 30-year loan, and will now await recommendations from the Government Loans Board. The clerk stated that he had received an intimation from the Government valuer that he would be working in the Leamington district immediately, and that the revaluation of the board’s area would occupy about a week. Karapiro Lake. A report on-the recent visit of the Local Bodies Commission to the Karapiro Lake was given by Mr Blackman. He stated that the commission was keen to see the Domain Board formed and intended to return to Cambridge within two months.

Mr Looker voiced a complaint he had received concerning the shortage of crockery in the town hall. Replacements of plates and jugs were very necessary. Efforts are to be made to secure adequate supplies. Present at the meeting were Messrs J. Blackman (chairman), E. C. Hall, G. Waite, B. Pratt, A. Looker, J. D. Patort and R. S. Entwistle (clerk). * '