DERATING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 178, 31 July 1933, Page 8

DERATING

MR. COATES’ VIEW WELLINGTON, July 29. A denial that he hud expressed him self as being opposed to any form, ol derating was made by the ActingPrime Minister (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) in a statement issued yester day afternoon. Mr. Coates said he had stated that it was impracticable to con template total derating, but that rates and fixed charges should be reduced. “Li considering the question,” said Mr. Coates, “it becomes so farleaching, particularly when the farming industry, local bodies and the Government all have terrific problems to overcome, that in my opinion the matter should be reviewed with these factors in mind—the user of road and transport and how much more he can pay, highways, land tax, and rates, and how far economy and efficiency can. be maintained by the amalgamation of many of the local bodies. “At no time have I said other than I believe total derating to be impracticable, but I have stated that a reduction in fixed, charges, including rates, was important and necessary. My views were definitely adhered to at the conference of the New Zealand Counties’ Association on Thursday afternoon, when the conference carried a resolution to the effect that W>K! derating was not asked for by local bodies, but that there should be an. allround reduction in fixed charges, including rates. ‘ ’