FARMING AND GRAZING OUTLOOK

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18723, 25 August 1932, Page 9

FARMING AND GRAZING OUTLOOK

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —We all wait in anticipation of getting a higher price for our produce by a British preference against nonEmpire production. If we were solidly united we would have more influence in Parliament, and could reduce the cost of production by getting rid of the oppressive taxation we now -struggle under. The county rate is an unjust and useless tax. New Zealand is -behind Britain and -other more up-to-date countries, as county rate taxes are not paid there now. One board such as the Highways board, is ample to road and maintain roads here. The counties are too poor to get road machinery -so use the wheelbarrow and pick and shovel. The tax on businesses owned by us farmers Is paid by us and Is an unjust tax as it cripples the mainstay of commerce here. If our legislators were able to run New Zealand into debt they should get a fairer means of obtaining repayment than by robbing the class Who are the only real wealth producers. Unity of all on the land is the first necessity; next let voters discern duds from patriots at election time. To lower the cost of production by reducing taxation is the greatest necessity at present. When we are sure of a profit we will produce -so much more by grassing more land, that the present debts will be paid off and not felt. To put this taxation brake on when we all have an uphill pull and no profit Is only delaying the approach of better times. Heretofore borrowing has been resorted to, to pay Interest and sinking fund- Now -this slump has its grip on the world, money is scarce, farmers are not making a fair profit, and to stop them from leaving the land and going to other work Is more important than getting more land -settled, as the slump of taxation affects all on and off the land alike. To ease up that up-hill brake would cause a boom in land settlement, which, added to any concessions we get from the deliberations of the Ottawa Conference, would attract initiative, capital and ability -to join up with us farmers and all become financial. —I am, etc.,

SYMPATHISER Oparau, Aug. 21, 1932.