WITHHOLD RATES

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32479, 13 September 1944, Page 5

WITHHOLD RATES

LEVY FOR HOSPITALS FARMERS’ UNION REMIT CAMPAIGN TO BE CONTINUED “ That in view of the fact that local bodies in the sub-province have continued to levy hospital rates that all Farmers’ Union members withhold payment of such rate when it becomes due,” was a Waitakaruru remit discussed at Tuesday’s meeting at Paeroa of the Northern Thames Sub-Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Mr 'G. Gray, of Mangatarata said his members felt that the Farmers’ Union members should make this stand to keep the question before the Government. Mr IG. L. MacGregor, of Matatoki, seconded the remit. Mrs A. Strong, of Kerepeehi., Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union delegate said that the Women’s Division‘had agreed to support the remit. They were behind the union in all matters. Mrs L. A. (Batchelor, Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union delegate said that her division had considered that the rate should be spread over every person over’ 21 years of age. Mr W. Hayes of Netherton asked what was the position of settlers on Crown leases. Mr L. Tye, of Kerepeehi, agreed that the union should continue its opposition. The chairman, Mr S. E. Hall, of Matatoki, said the union was preparing a campaign which would be launched in the future. Mr R. E. Tye of Ngatea pointed out that while some would stick to the union’s policy others would pay their rates and so the value of the effort would be lost. Mr W. H. Cheale of Netherton pointed out that some rates were paid by dairy orders and these could not be cancelled.

.Mr R. L. Wilson of Matatoki, suggested that all farmers ‘be askedi to pay their hospital rates into a special Farmers’ Union account and then members would know bow many members were behind the movement. Mr A. J. Campbell of Waihi said he thought that was the right method.

After some further discussion the .remit was carried unanimously.