HOSPITAL RATES

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32405, 10 March 1944, Page 5

HOSPITAL RATES

election proposal DECISION OF THE FARMERS SUPPORT FOR CANDIDATES “ That this branch support only those candidates at the forthcoming local body elections who pledge themselves to vote for the abolition of hospital rates regardless of consequences, such rates to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund and Social Security account, was a remit from the Matatoki branch discussed at Tuesday’s meeting held in Thames of the Northern Thames SubProvincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Mr A. J. Campbell (Waihi) said that such action would be of little use. If local bodies refused to levy the rate the Government would step in. He did not think ratepayers should “pass the buck” but should refuse to pay the rate themselves when it was struck rather than ask their

representatives to carry the blame. Mr R. E. Wilson (Matatoki), spoke in favour of the remit. It was- one of the first occasions on which the union had been asked to take direct action and should stand by it. Mr E. Jamieson (Matatoki) said his branch was fully behind the proposal and would stand by their candidate. Mrs A. H. Blackmore (Waihi) pointed out that non-union members would break the movement. She urged a mass meeting of farmers to decide such action. Mr C. Christensen (Waihi), opposed 1 the remit, pointing out the steps the Government would) take if the local bodies failed to collect the rate. Farmers should carry the responsibility themselves and refuse to pay their rates.

The remit was carried after lengthy discussion.