MARTON FARMERS DISCUSS RECENT VALUATION INCREASES

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 August 1950, Page 3

MARTON FARMERS DISCUSS RECENT VALUATION INCREASES

Considerable interest was taken by Rangitikei county ratepayers in the meeting sponsored by Federated Farmers held in Marton on. Thursday night to discuss the recent increases in land valuations. There was an attendance of about 100 and speakers included Mr F. C. Jurgens, president of the Wellington Central Provincial of Federated Farmers, who presided; Cr. K. W. Dalrymple, chairman of the Rangitikei County Council; Mr F. L. Nicol, clerk to the county, and Mr. N. Fletcher, of the Land Valuation Department,

Following a long discussion, in which Mr Fletcher was asked many questions, a resolution was carried recommending the various ridings in the county not to take any action in the increased valuations but to leave it to the individuals to lodge the objections.

During the course of the meeting Mr Nicol intimated that to date only 11 objections had been lodged from county ratepayers out of 3000 assessments issued.- Objections, he said, closed on August 23. This number, however, is likely to be increased in th e next few days as several ratepayers, at the conclusion of the meeting, collected objection forms to fill in. Explaining the object of the meeting, Mr Jurgens said ratepayers were of the opinion that the nevz valuations did not seem to be on a comparable basis between the ridings in the county. It was noted that the valuations in the southern ridings had increased far more than in the north. Some ridings in the south increased by 69 per cent, but in the north by only 3 per cent. Increase Only 5 Per Cent. To obtain a true picture of the position, said Mr Jurgens, it was necessary to go back to the 1921 values and not 1935. In 1921 the total capital valuation figure for the whole of the county was £10.696,224, but in 1935 it was £9,008.817. The new valuation today was £11,245,757. Thus, the total increase from 1921 to 1950 was a little over 5 per cent, stressed Mr Jurgens. Mr Nicol placed before the meeting comparable capital valuations tor '1921, 1935 and 1950, for the various southern ridings, as follows: Rangitoto: 1921, £1,174,451; 1935, £906,715, decrease 22.79 per cent; 1950, £1,043.598, increase 61.7 per cent. Otakapau: 1921, £1,043.677; 1935, £835,907, decrease 19.90 per cent; 1950, £1,413,235, increase 69.1 per cent. , Porewa: 1921, £1,080,976; 1935, £970,205, decrease, 10.9 per cent; 1950: £1,384,403, increase 42.7 per cent. Whangaehu: 1921, £907,874; 193 b. £581,275, decrease 35.97 per cent; 1950 £795,676. increase 36.9 per cent.

Mr Nicol said the new valuations seemed reasonable considering the present value of land. Cr. Dalrymple said he did no't thlna the county, as a whole, could object to th e valuations, but he had come across cases where certain individuals had good grounds for objecting. All revaluations were made on the 1942 basis, said Mr Fletcher, but any buildings added since then were stamped to that effect, on the roll. He said the valuers were bound by law to value the land at its selling value. Objections Welcomed “We welcome objections and all will be considered and valuations amended where mistakes have occurred,” said Mr Fletcher. Already a few mistakes had been found. The department always endeavoured to put a fair selling value on the land, he said. Explaining the method of valuation, Mr Fletcher said it was worked out on the replacement basis. In 1935 fencing was valued at 24s a chain, today it was £3 a -chain. Buildings had increased from 10s a square foot in 1935 to 22s 6d a square foot today, ar.d grass had increased from 30s an acre to between £3 and £5 today. The comparable production figures were 5.7 d for wool in 1935 and 12.5 d today.

In answer to a question, Mr Fletcher said that plantations were net rateable and were not taken into account. but shown as a separate item. Another factor taken into consideration when deriving at the valuation of a property was the number of farm sales in the district and their comparable selling values. Many farms sold were above the revised valuation.

“The whole trouble is not the valuation, but the rates," suggested Mr Fletcher. He said that the onus was on the objector to prove his case when the objection came up for hearing.

The meeting was then thrown open for questions , when various ratepayers cited what they considered unfair valuations compared with neighbouring properties. To these ratepayers Mr Fletcher advised them to lodge objections, but where possible to name the neighbouring farmer who had a lower valuation. The latter would not be prejudiced in any way, he said.

Following further discussion, Mr A. Stuart moved a resolution: “That, this meet'ng considers the new valuations as reasonable.” He explained that there were anomalies, but the individuals concerned could object. The motion was seconded by Mr H. Hawkins.

An amendment was then moved by Mr J. B. S. Dudding: “That this meeting does not recommend the various ridings in the county to take action, but objections be left to the individuals.” This was seconded by Mr A. C. Birch.

On being put to the meeting the amendment was carried on the voices, there being a few dissentients A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Fletcher for his explanations.

MOMENTOUS DAYS. These are momentous days in which we live, and, in an endeavour to place things in their true perspective, the Rev. H. PrcW'se, will take as his morning subject at the Marton Methodist Church tomorrow “The Need for Confession and the Joy of Forgiveness.” The evening will be devoted to continuing his series of addresses on the significance of world events and their bearing on the Christian life.