THE RIDING SYSTEM RATING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 89, 16 April 1938, Page 8

THE RIDING SYSTEM RATING

Sir. —I am unable to refrain from referring to the debate of the Marton branch of the Farmers’ Union meeting on the rating question. I consider a Farmers’ Union meeting the wrong place to discuss the abolition of the riding system, as a large number of farmers are not members of the union and cannot be present to voice their opinion. The resolution that was passed was only voicing the opinions of a paltry few from two or three ridings at most, who jumped to the conclusion that the abolition of the riding system was wrong because it affected their own individual pockets. It is quite evident they did not go into the question sufficiently to be able to give a well considered verdict.

Had a proper meeting of the ratepayers of the Rangitikei County been convened, the other side of the picture would then have been shown to the public. I am rather surprised that the two county councillors who were at the meeting did not explain the actual position to those who were present, if they did Mr. Editor, there is no mention of it in the published report. The southern ridings have been getting quite a lot of financial assistance from the northern ridings for the past few years, but now that everything is in order at the southern end, a few ratepayers are quite prepared to throw the others overboard and let them carry on as best they can. Why should a section of ratepayers in a certain locality receive greater assistance through the channels of the Main Highways Board than others? Every ratepayer who has a motor vehicle contributes towards the benzine tax, and the further inland he lives from the main centres the greater his contribution. He is therefore within his rights in demanding an equal benefit from that tax. According to the opinions ol some who attended the meeting, the benefits of the benzine tax should be confined to two or three ridings only, instead of being evenly distributed over the county. When the Main Highways Act waj introduced in 1925 by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, then Minister of Public Works, he stated that in due course certain ridings in the various counties would derive a much greater advantage from the Highways Board than would others, and that it would be the duty of the respective local bodies to see that the benefits were equitably adjusted. I respect every man’s opinion but not an opinion that comes from a person’s hip pocket only Personally, I am still of the firm opinion that the riding system has become absolutely obsolete, although it probably served a useful purpose in the years gone by it now fails to give fairness and justice to the ratepayers generally. I may state that my own properties are in the Rangitikei riding, one of the ridings in which the rates were increased through doing away with the riding system, but, 1 challenge any ratepayer to say that I was ever influenced by my own pocket when it came to voting for the people I was representing. The Otakapu Riding which 1 have the honour to represent on the council was practically the only riding to which the abolition of the riding system made little or no difference. The facts are that the general rate to meet increased expenditure caused mostly through recent legislation had to be increased 29.83 per cent, over the whole county, the rates in the Otakapu Riding were raised 30.85 per cent., and further, the hospital and charitable aid rate ovei which the council has no control, was increased 27 per cent, on the previous year. A few in this riding were complaining, but they were quite Ignorant of the exact position. Had it not been for the fact that this riding had considerable financial assistance from the northern ridings during the past few years the rate would have become prohibitive. I am pleased to say there are only one or two rate-

payers in this riding who do not appreciate the assistance given by other ridings.

As councillor for the riding I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to councillors who so generously gave their support for assistance to the

Otakapu Riding in the past. ORjjf individual at the meeting stated Ur the rates would be increased 10 pci cent, annually to help the northern ridings, such a statement is simply ridiculous and not worth commenting on. 1 am quite safe in saying that Ihe rates were higher this past year than they are likely to be in tne future. I am amazed at the narrow minded puny ideas of some people, is it any wonder we have a Laoour Government in power? The Farmer's Union motto should be "Live and let live.” Tne resolution passed at the meeting as regards the riding question, 1 understand Mr. Editor, was to be sent to the Hon. Minister of internal Affairs. It will be put in iU proper place when it reaches Wellington, that will be in the waste papec basket.—l am, etc., A. STUART. “Runnymede," Marlon, April 8, 1938.