RANGITAIKI RATEPAYERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 305, 26 December 1930, Page 5

RANGITAIKI RATEPAYERS.

BURDEN OF DRAINAGE RATE

RELIEF FOR ONE YEAR ASKED,

(From Our Own Correspondent.) WHAKATANE, this day. A condensed report of the discussion at a representative meeting of the Rangitaiki ratepayers, held in the Edgecumbe Presbyterian Hall recently, may have created a wrong impression.

Mr. John M. Sumner, who presided, explained that the meeting had been called-by him at the.request of a number of ratepayers, to consider the best steps to be , taken to protect those sottlers who, owing to the unexpected and unprecedented low prices of primary products, were unable to meet their rate demands; and thiis to prevent a recurrence of settlers being forced to walk off their farms, as happened 10 years ago. •

Mr. F. Reynolds moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Lindsay and carried unanimously:— "That this large and representative meeting of ratepayers in the Rangitaiki land drainage district, whilst recognising responsibility in regard to moneys expended to drain the land, would respectfully ask that in view of the fact that the low prices prevailing will prevent dairy farmers meeting their obligations this ,year, ratepayers be excused the payment of the; yearly drainage rate due and payable on February 21, 1931, and that to meet this concession the term over which the rate is to be collected be extended for one year beyond the term of years at present required to extinguislr the capital cost of drainage operations." Mr. F. J. Reynolds moved, "That the meeting appoint the Hon. J. B. Gow and Mr. J. W. Sumner to approach the Minister in charge and the Government, by deputation or otherwise, to represent the views of the-Rangitaiki ratepayers, as expressed in the resolution." This, was seconded by Mr. McLean and carried unanimously.