LOSS OF RATES

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 225, 21 April 1933, Page 6

LOSS OF RATES

Suggested Subsidy to County Councils SPIRITED FARMERS' UNION DEBATE Press Association. —Copyright. Wellington, April 20. Discussion upon a remit urging the Government to reconsider the question of granting a subsidy to county councils to enable a rebate of rat— to be made led to a lively debate at the meeting of the Dominion executive of the Farmers' Union to-day. The remit was deferred. T .n some parts of New Zealand farmers were adopting a policy of passive resistance toward the payment of rates, a delegate said. The movement was growing and it behoved the Government to take solemn warning. Mr. W. J. n, president of the union, said the year before last a rebate of 12J per cent, was granted. It was no good farmers taking up a Hostile attitude. One had to consider the finances and state of the country. "I deprecate constant attacks upon local body administration." Mr. Poison said, "because in my opinion the local bodies are efficient and doing their job in a most inexpensive way. The conversion loan has meant a considerable saving to most local bodies and it is up to us to help the Government as much as possible. If a rebate is granted the consolidated fund will have to bear the burden. We cannot have it both ways." Another delegate said that in some of the wealthiest counties in New Zealand 50 per cent, of the farmers were unable to pay their rates. Mr. Mulholland: li We are in danger sometimes of forgetting our responsibilities. Under the circumstances I do not think it seasonable to press for a rebate at this atage."

Captain Colbeck said derating would become a by-product" of the slump because lands would derate themselves. After further discussion the remit was deferred.