CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2596, 2 September 1909, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Correspondence on public matters is welcomed at all times, but it must bo distinctly understood that this journal is in no way associated with the opinions of its correspondents. All letters must be legibly written and inscribed on one side of the paper only, otherwise they will not be published. *An asterisk at the foot of a letter indicates that some portion has been excised.]

GOVERNMENT VALUATIONS.

[To The Editok.]

Sir, —Government valuations seem to be causing unfavorable comment just at present. Admitted that in one hr two cases—Peter Wright for one—'the valuations appear to have been altogether too high. But many expect the Government valuation to be much below the price the owners will sell at. A very large number of properties, in town arid country, are for sale. How mariy are for sale at’a lower price than the Government, values the property at? If the Government valuations are too high-then".the price asked for all properties are too high. I think it would lie impossible for any Government valuer to satisfy a large proportion of the owners, and. I believe that every owner should be compelled to value his own property for taxation purposes, the Government to have the right to purchase properties at an advance of 10 per cent on owners’ valuation. It woilld be interesting to see the values that would be put on properties then.—l. am, etc. “ROUSEABOUT.”