Power to Increase Levy Opposed By Federated Farmers

Grey River Argus, 11 September 1948, Page 7

Power to Increase Levy Opposed By Federated Farmers

A proposed move to give Catchment Boards power to increase their general levy, by a further 'l-8d or l-4d in the £, was viewed unfavourably by the Executive of the Federated Farmers of New Zealand, West Coast province, at its meeting yesterday. • A communication from the Federate u Farmers of New Zealand (Inc.) Wellington, asked the executive to consider' the matter, and advise its views, or instruct the delegates to the Dominion conference. It added that legislation was not likely to be introduced before that meeting. He did not want to criticise sisterlocal bodies, but ‘he would advise the setting up of a small committee, said the secretary (Mr J. Mulcare). He, said he did not like the thought of any increase. It meant a big thing. There was a Catchment Board in this district, and the people mostly concerned, the farmers, were in the minority on the Board. Mr H. G. Beckett said they would require to watch the position. He had pointed out previously that Catchment Board rating could become a bigger burden than the hospital rating. It could not be denied that the Catchment Board was necessary, but it was over-loaded against the farmers. He said he x spoke generally and referred to all rating authorities. He asked whether the increase was on the administrative or works rate. The secretary said the idea was to increase the general levy) Mr Beckett: That is the administrative rate. Mr E. Armstrong: Have they the power to define areas and levy special ratos *** The President (Mr W. H. Martin): That is the case. Mr H. G. Carter said it was quite definite that the Federated Farmers should take a live interest in any authority which had the power to levy rates. The committee suggested should continuously watch and advocate something that would combat the influence of greater rating powers. The following committee was appointed: Messrs W. Clayton, H. G. Carter and H. G. Beckett.