SOLDIERS' RATES

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 3230, 10 June 1924, Page 4

SOLDIERS' RATES

WAIPA COUNTY'S ACTION

APPEAL TO DEPARTMENT

The perennial question of soldier farmers' rates was again before the Waipa County Council at its mooting yesterday, when an application was made by a Whatawhata soldior farmer for remission of his rates, which, he said, he could not possibly pay. The chairman declared that it would be far botter for fully one-third of these soldier settlers to walk off their farms, as they could not possibly pay their way, under present conditions. Cr Livingstone said the farmer applicant was a trior,- but if this request were granted others would demand the same treatment.

The chairman cited the case of a returned soldier, a single man, who had not paid a penny in rates for the period of five or six years, though his neighbours, who were no better placed, had all either paid in cash or worked out their rates. It was not a fair thing to discriminate between these men; and he contended if these men did. not pay the Department should.

It was resolved, after further consideration, that the Council adhere to its former decision to allow a rebate of one half of the applicant's rates. It was also decided to write to the Department citing the ca.se of the farmer referred to by the chairman, who had paid nothing for five or sir years, and asking tlie Depa r fine tit to pay the rates in suck Instances. .