BURDEN OF RATING

Taranaki Daily News, 28 April 1931, Page 10

BURDEN OF RATING

FARMERS SEEK RELIEF. CONFERENCE IN WAIKATO. Hamilton, April 26. A conference of local bodies convened by the Waikato sub-provincial branch of the Farmers’ Union to consider means of reducing, the burden of rating on the farming community was held at-Hamilton on Friday. In .addition to the .Fanners’ Union, the Waikato Hospital Board and the Waikato, Raglan, Waipa, Waitomo and Alatamata County Councils were represented. The president of the branch, Air. J. H. Furniss, presided. Mr. Furniss said the farmers were anxious to know how rates could be paid in the face of the present economic position. Revenue for roads showed signs of declining and the burden on the farmer wa intolerable. Road transport must inevitably increase, while the prospects were that the ability of the rural community to pay’ must progressively decrease. The present rates were based on the value of Is fid per lb for butter-fat and a corresponding value for wool. The first remit considered stated that the time had arrived when the derating of farm lands for roading purposes had become imperative. Mr. R. H. Feisst said local body rates had become entirely too heavy and represented, in some cases, almost a rent upon the land. It was generally recognised that local bodies were unable to make appreciable reductions under the present system of rating. Air. H. Wilson said the Raglan County Council opposed the proposal. The general rates had increased very little and the Alain Highways Board had given very valuable assistance. An amendment urging that a sufficient increase be made in motor taxation to relieve local bodies from ali road rates or maintenance -*r.s carried. A remit also was carried condemning the using of revenue from motor taxation for other- than expenditure on roads. J The Waitomo County clerk, Mr. F. C. Perry, said that in districts such as Waitomo, where the. Crown operated to a large extent, the recent decision of the Appeal Court had greatly prejudiced the council’s ability to enforce the payment of rates. The following resolution, moved by Mr. Perry, was carried: — “That in view of the serious effect upon local body finance of recent rulings exempting the Crown from liability for rates, the law be amended to make the Crown liable for rates in the same manner as other owners and mortgagees.” It was decided to ask the executive of the Counties’ Association to bring the resolution to the notice of the Government. t

The following remit also was carried: —“That with a view to varying the incidence of hospital rating, so as to more closely accord with th benefits received, the meeting urges the calling of the proposed conference, representative pf those local bodies levying direct for hospital purposes.’’