Mr Bunny ap])eorcd for the objector, and Mr D. \Y almslcy for the Department. Mr Bunny stated thai tho main objec tion was based on the [net that in the valuation of thrco years ago, it was valued at £2322. There was nothing to justify such an enormous increase in value to £3300. Ho applied for it to be reduced to the previous valuation, Mr J. P. Heckler, valuer, was called by Mr Bunny, and stated that lie valued tho property three years ago nl £2322. Ho thon consented to make a reduction, Tho witness considered the property was worth more than the value. Improvements had been effected to a considerable extent since tho pre vious valuation, including £3OO worth of buildings; stumping, etc,, £7O; and drainogo, £lO, The property was not steep and rugged, nor was it only suit able for sheep grazing. II was suitable for grazing sheep and cattle, The carrying capacity of tho land had slightly increased, being two sheep to tho acre, besides lambs. The property was about eight miles from Mangamahoo. About thirty acres could bo mado ploughable, and about fifteen acres could at present bo easily ploughed. The witness took into consideration the prico of slock when making tho valuation, His previous valuation was too low. Mr Burny: If you mako thai admis sion you aro not fit for tho 'position. Taking into consideration tho price of cattle, the market of which fluctuates, was not a fair way of making tho valuation, Mr Heckler, continuing, said lie under stood that rates would probably increase, but tho question had not been settled, He thought tho income from the properly would be £2OO clear prolit, Four hun dred acres were suitable for dairying purposes, It was lit for that purpose as it stands at present, and the industry could be carried on under presont con ditions, A dairy factory was about seven miles from tho property. It would not be impossible to carry tho milk the distance, and tho roads were fair, In reply to Mr Walmslcy, Mr Heckler said ho understood that the property was recently in tho market at £8 an acre. He was prepared to add 2j per cent to his valuation, and find the necessary money witbin twelve hours for tho property, It was a lona fide offer.
