COUNTY RATES

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 99, 21 April 1933, Page 6

COUNTY RATES

“Can’t Have It Both Ways” SAYS FARMERS’ PRESIDENT CONFERENCE DEFERS REMIT (Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, Last Night. Discussion upon a remit urging the Government to reconsider the question of granting a subsidy to county councils to enable a rebate of rates to bo brought about led to a lively debate at the meeting of the Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. A delegate said that in some parts of New Zealand farmers were adopting a policy of passive resistance toward the payment of Tates. The movement was growing .and it behoved the Government to take solemn warning. Mr W. .T. Polson, the president of the union, said that the year before last a rebate of .124 per cent had been granted. It was no good farmers taking up a hostile attitude. One had to consider the finances and state of the country. Mr Polson continued: “I deprecate the constant attacks upon local body administration, because in my opinion local bodies arc efficient and are doing their job in a most inexpensive way. The conversion loan has meant a considerable saving to most local bodies ,and it is up to us to help the Government as much as possible. If the rebate is granted the Consolidated Fund w’ill have to bear the burden. Wo can’t have it both ways.” Another delegate said that in some of the wealthiest counties in New Zealand 50 per cent of the farmers were unable to pay their rates. Mr Mulholland: We are in danger sometimes of forgetting our responsibilities. Under the circumstances I don’t think it is reasonable to press for a rebate at this stage. Captain Colbeck said that derating would become a by-product of the slump, because lands would derate themselves. After further discussion the remit was deferred.