Producers Swamped By Taxes

Northern Advocate, 24 May 1939, Page 3

Producers Swamped By Taxes

“Reviewing generally the position as we find it today, we must frankly admit that the increasing i burden falling upon the rural section cf the community we represent is swamping it in taxation, both general and local. The land cannot carry these additional ocrts and at the same time provide for essential maintenance and j improvements in both land and j stock.’' j In these words, Mr J. A. S. Mac Kay. j Whangarei county chairman, addressed the annual meeting of the council to- | hay. j “High wages and shorter hours in ether directions .are making it increasingly difficult to maintain our most important industry,” he continued. “It is a serious situation for all concerned and is reflected in decreasing production, j “Here I w r ould draw attention to a j further danger confronting us and that is the published intention of the Government to institute the Parliamentary franchise in rural local body elections. This will mean, if and when brought into force, that persons other than ratepayers would be entitled to participate in all local body elections .and in spending our rates. Such a movement should be strenuously opposed for most obvious reasons.”