FARMERS’ UNION PROTEST.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10401, 15 July 1912, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION PROTEST.

AGAINST WANGANUI HARBOUR RATING. A special masting of Marfeon Branch of the Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday, and was largely attended. Mr G. L. Marshall presided. The principal business wes the action to be taken in connection with the Wanganui Harbour Empowering Bill. Farmers expressed themselves strongly against being included in the proposed rating area. The Chairman said that the Union should not lose any time in -entering their. protest, as the question would be dealt with earlier than expected, It was open to the meeting to decide whether they should petition v.be farmers or support the County Ooaucii’s petition now in circulation. Mr J. W. Marshall urged that farmers should support the Rang!tihei County Council’s netifcion, otherwise there would possibly be a repetition of names, and this was not desirable. He moved and Mr K. K. Simpson seconded "That the Union support the i petition as drawn up by the Boca! Bodies, ani that farmers be requested to further the objects of the petition.” This was carried unanimously. Mr R. K. Simpson stated that if Wanganui Harbour Board found It necessary to collect the rate, Raugitikei’a share won Id be bordering on something like £SOOO a year. The Harbour Board was now paying 5 per cant, on a £IOO,OCO loan, so that the outlook for further borrowing was of serious moment to ratepayers In the proposed extended boundaries. The petitions are being largely signed.