OUTBACK SETTLERS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 356, 13 September 1933, Page 4

OUTBACK SETTLERS

Rating System Unjust WHANGAMOMONA DISCUSSION At the meeting of the Whangamomona County Council, Cr G. Gower gave notice to move that the ridings bo retained for the purpose of representation only and that riding accounts bo dispensed with. It was time, said Cr Gower that some action be taken in this matter as the present system was most unjust. It seemed that the further back a man lived the more he was penalised. He felt sure that if settlers in the Ohura, Waitomo and Clifton codnties were asked to support a proposal for a flat rate to remove the burden of special rates there would be support forthcoming. There was a chance for them to lead a movement for the easing of the back country settler, and the development of the hinterland. The clerk, (Mr F. G. Catchpole) stated it would be possible to dis{)eiise 'with separate riding accounts if desired after observing a few formalities. If any decision on those lihes were reached the change would come inti) operation at the commencement) of next financial year. Cr Gower moved that the Council give consideration to the proposal that separate riding accounts be abolished.

lin accordance with notice given the council struck rates for the year as follows:—Strathmore riding 3d in the £l, Rohokura riding 3d in the £l, Central riding fiJd in the £l, Tahora riding 2&d in th<> £l.