THE FARMERS' BACKING.

Northern Advocate, 7 August 1919, Page 3

THE FARMERS' BACKING.

Mr Manndngton (iMaungiatapere Branch N.Z. Fai'niers' Union) thought that perhaps the delegates had been led to think that they should consider the scheme, but personally:.- ,;.he though they had best consider the Bill, which was required to provide the necessary security for the loans. With regard to Mr Elliott'sobjections he pointed out that it" was possible to alter the by-laws at any time. The fanners of Maungatapere were almost unanimously in favour of the Bill. There were many opinions 'about the scheme, but only one abotit the Bill. He had put in 30 years', iwjork on that kind of thing but he was aiot going to give any opinion. He knew Mr Blair Mason to be a man of great ability and he .had had few failures. One tiling the farmers-were sure of and that was that if they found the money they wanted the board to have control of the harbour. The people thought the board should have control of the harbour. He understood that tlie Northern Shipping Co. had a lease of the shed at the town wharf and he did not thhilc this was right. It probably waved trouble, but if the control of the shed 5

was 100 much trouble they should p.ut in juenibers »}'lh) would take the trouble. lie thought' the'farniers as a whole would eerlainly back , up the board. (Appkuise.) It was recognised by the ratepayers that they should put in a board which would use its resources to pjay for the improvements by dues, but not to the extent of killing business. If a rate was levied it would be small in compariso.n to the benent-'reeeived. In Whangarei they Bad to contend with no ocean, drift sand, or a big river \vdth sludge deposits. Here they had every advantage and if they could make the harbour with £150,----000 it 'Wus a very small outlay for such a work. If the people were bold enough .they could easily make the harbour and they would get back any tax paid. (Applause).