DERATING FARM LANDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21293, 21 September 1932, Page 11

DERATING FARM LANDS

DECISION OF CONFERENCE COUNTY COUNCIL'S SUPPORT [from our own correspondent! TF, AWAMUTU, Tuesday The derating of farm lands was again considered at a meeting yesterday of the Waipa County Council. The council sponsored the recent conference in Hamilton of representatives from county councils, borough councils, drainage boards, the Farmers' Union and the Auckland Automobile Association, at which a resolution in favour of partial derating was carried. Notification was received from Waitomo County Council that it did not propose to be represented at the next conference, as it. considered no good purpose could be served by a further meeting owing to the attitude of the Farmers' Union of "total derating or nothing." Mr. F. L. Onion took exception to the blame being placed on the' Farmers' Union, which, he said, constituted a minority of the delegates. The Chairman, Mr. S. C. Macky, said the Farmers' Union blamed tho county council for the failure of the conference to reach unanimity. The union's attitude in insisting upon total derating was unreasonable. The opinion was expressed that the Waitomo County Council should continue its representation, and bring forward arguments contrary to that of the union. The council decided to support the resolution favoured at the last conference, that gradual derating be effected over a period of years in respect of future road maintenance.