DERATING FARM LAND

Northland Age, Volume III, Issue 34, 2 September 1931, Page 5

DERATING FARM LAND

FARMERS TAKE ACTION UNION CIRCULATING PETITION The unfairness of faxing rural farm land for the construction and maintenance of roads was debated at the meeting of the Kaitaia branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union held in Foster’s Room on Monday night. The discussion was brought forward as a result of a petition forwarded from headquarters, which, when signed up, will be presented to the House during the present session.

Mr, W. R. Grigg contended that the Union’s activities in connection with the derating of farm land was one that required the support of all. The rates demanded from the farmers were excessive compared with the benefit received by them and he was sure all would sign the petition. Mr, A. H. Puckey pointed out that the farmers were doubly taxed as they paid all motor taxes as well as rates.

Mr. A. W. Masters stated that the derating of farm land would have to be brought in. When the farmers were called upon to pay rates, before mitor traffic came in, rates were most excessive. A car owner paid only a small tax for the roads compared with the landowner.

Mr. J. Stewart contended that the Government could see the unfairness ot the present system of farm rating but took no steps to remedy the state ot affairs. Mr. G. Hodgson pointed out how the land was first rated in England, and New Zealand had copied their laws. Now England had derated all agricultural land and New Zealand should do likewise. Mr. W. R. McKenzie said that the users of the roads should pay for them and that it was unfair to tax the land to build good roads for motor traffic which wastaking revenue from the railways. “The amonnt I pav in rates,” said Mr. McKenzie, “would pay for manure to topdress the whole ot my farm.”

It was finally decided to circulate the petition throughout the whole of the district.