Kaitaia Dairy Co. Challenges Right To Increase Rates

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1944, Page 5

Kaitaia Dairy Co. Challenges Right To Increase Rates

(Special.)

KAITAIA, This Day

“1 want this to be considered a protest on behalf of the suppliers to the Dairy Company,” said the chairman of directors of the Kaitaia Dairy Company (Mr. E. R. Bird) when he appeared before the Mangonui .County Council as a deputation protesting against the increased rate due to the increased hospital levy imposed this year. “When stabilisation was brought in,” said Mr. Bird, “all farm major fixed costs were to be held. There is no argument that rates are a fixed charge against farm costs. We wrote to the dairy industry solicitor asking if there is any way of opposing the increase. He replied that the point raised was interesting and important, but that he was not free at present to go fully into the matter. “If the farmers do pay without a protest, and a protest in line with the labour unions—that is, to kick up a row about it—then we will be considered easy money. Once it is established that we ‘can take it,’ then the sky will be the limit. Stabilisation Burden “Wo don't want to upset the good position of the council with regard to rate collecting, but in view of the Prime Minister’s promise, we do challenge the Government and conditions generally whereby farmers under stabilisation can have their rates raised 12.1 per cent. “As chairman of the dairy company,” continued Mr. Bird, ”1 don't accept the rise, and challenge the right, in view of the statements, that fixed charges can be raised by an increase in rates. “We know that many increased charges are being met from the War Expenses Account and other funds, and, to my mind, that was the logical place to get this increase. We arc already too highly rated compared with other parts of New Zealand, and Hi is increase should not come from butterfat production. “We are getting legal means to oppose it, but, if it lias 'to be paid, we challenge it. If it is tolerated this year it will not be tolerated next year,” concluded Mr. Bird. The chairman (Cr. Barriball) then asked the clerk to read letters from the Minister for Health (Hon. Nordmeycr) and the Prime Minister replying to the resolution passed at the recent conference of northern hospital boards and contributing bodies, and promising an early inquiry into the hospital rating position in the north. “It is a nice letter.” said Mr. Bird, “but of no help to save us from the 12J per cent, increase this year. On behalf of Hie dairy industry I challenge the light to increase fixed charges.”