NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1915, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

TARANAKI PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE. The usual monthly' meeting of the Taranaki executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held at Hawera on Thursday. Present: Messrs R. Dunn (in the chair), E. Maxwell, R. Lainbie, H. H. Buxton, n. Orr, A Hunter, A. E. Washer, H. Hodge, F. Mills, 0. Young and J. Swindlchurst. Apologies for absent e were received from Messrs S, Ndrriss, J. S. Barrow and C. E. McGuinness. PAYMENT OF HATES TO LOCAL BODIES. Mr. Lambie brought up the matter as to the system of payment of rates to locml bodies. He thought the present system was not quite fair to those who paid promptly. Many ratepayers left the payment of their rates till the clay before the imposition of the 10 per cent, penalty. Ho favored a rebate to those who paid promptly, and he thought that a penalty oti a sliding scale might be imposed on defaulters, according to the length of time outstanding. It would, of course, mean an amendment of the Act. He moved —"That the Taranaki branches of the Union and the executives of other districts bo written o suggesting that the Rating Act should be amended so as to permit af a rebate being granted to ratepayers who pay their rates promptly. The, following is suggested, viz., (1) a. rebate of H/ s per cent, to those who pay within one month from due date, and (3) an increase ot 5 per cent, if not paid within three months of due date, and (3) an increase of 10 per cent, if not paid within six months of due date." If branches and other executives are favorable they be asked to assist in bringing about the suggested amendment of the Act. —Mr. Dunn seconded the motion. Mr. Maxwell supported' the motion, and said that the principle was in vogue throughout all the Government departments, in the payment of interest, rent, income tax, etc. (t should he pointed out to the brandies that the county councils, in the event of a change of this kind coming about, would have to strike their rate later in the vear, especially in dairying districts.—The motion was carried.

SUPPLY OF MANURES. The Auroa 'branch wrote suggesting that the executive should make arrangements for brnnches and poo! their orders for basic slag and other manures 30 that they could buy in large quantities and get that at a reduced price. Tt was resolved to write to the branches with a view to ffivirrT effect i.t (he --lierpestion of the Auroa hraiK-h.— Ai mi--.