THE DERATING QUESTION.

Matamata Record, Volume XVI, Issue 1442, 17 July 1933, Page 4

THE DERATING QUESTION.

REPLIES FROM M.’sP.

Support Not Guaranteed.

The > question of derating was again discussed briefly at Friday’s meeting of the Matamata County Council, when letters were received from Mr. C. H. Clinkard, M.P., and Mr. F. Lye, M.P., on the subject. The letters were written in reply to a letter from the County Council, which had forwarded the following resolution from the Bay of Islands County Council and asked each for the suggested guarantee:— “ That this council circularise all county councils throughout the Do- j minion, asking that they approach their respective members in Parliament with the request that, irrespective of party politics, they will give a guarantee to press for the complete derating of farm lands for road purposes.” Mr. F. Lye’s Reply. In reply, Mr. F. Lye, M.P., said he was not prepared to give the

guarantee asked for in the resolution. Whatever the merits of the case, the adoption by certain individuals of methods which suggested direct action, by refusal to pay rates, passive resistance and coercion would not assist in securing the desired reform. The question of derating would come before the Counties Conference, and he felt sure the Government would give the fullest consideration to any representations that might be made as a result of its deliberations.

Cr. J. Bruce commented that there "was nothing in the circular about not paying rates. ' Mr. Clinkard’s Views.

A lengthy letter was received from Mr. C. H. Clinkard, M.P., in reply to the same question. Cr. Dee: Is he for it or against it?

The clerk: He does not say. (Laughter). On the motion of Crs. Pohlen and Cox, it was decided that the letter lie on the table.

The chairman added that the letter had already been published in the press. Mr. Clinkard did not commit himself in it. Cr. Pohlen: He appears to favour partial derating. The discussion then dropped.