DERATING

Northern Advocate, 15 July 1933, Page 15

DERATING

NO NORTHERN conference. MR COATES NOT AVAILABLE. DISCUSSION AT WELLINGTON. The efforts of the North Auckland Counties’ Association to secure attendance of the Acting Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. J. Q. Coates, at a conference to discuss rural derating, have not proved successful so far. In reply to the invitation extended by Mr L, Webb, president of the association, for a meeting in July, Mr Coates replied as follows; “I thank you for the suggestion, but I am afraid it is quite impossible for me to say when I am likely to be in Whangarei or Dargaville. I know of no possibility at present of my going North, and, as you will probably understand, the extra duties now devolving upon me as Acting Prime Minister, render my presence in Wellington even more essential. I have noted your suggestion and will be glad to let you know if at a later date anything can be arranged on the lines proposed.’ ’ After receipt of this notification, the following letter was circulated among members of the North Auckland Counties’ Association:

“The president, Mr L. Webb, is anxious that' the subject of derating should be given special and definite attention at the New Zealand Counties’ Conference,- to be held in Wellington towards the end of the month, and with that object in view he has lodged the following request with the General Secretary at Wellington: ‘The eight counties North of Auckland desire that special arrangements be made with the Acting Prime Minister to attend the forthcoming Counties’ Conference for the definite purpose of discussing with delegates' present the matter of derating of farm lands. The opinion is expressed by the Northern Group that the subject of derating is the most important matter coming before the conference, and consequently it should be given special and pressingconsideration and carried to a very definite issue with the Acting Prime Minister.’ In view of the general feeling throughout New Zealancj, on the question of derating, the president hopes to be able to organise sufficient support at the conference to force the issue beyond the resolution and deputation stages. ” The action of the" president in issuing the circular was confirmed. While expressing disappointment that Mr Coates could not- eottie" North, Mr J. A. S; MacEay thought that the object could be advanced at the conference. The whole country was ripe for a discussion on this most important subject.