LOCAL BODY RATES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 July 1938, Page 6

LOCAL BODY RATES

INCREASES VERY SERIOUS TO FARMERS ACTION FORCED ON COUNTY COUNCILS ' “We have got to face the position and realise that rising costs and the 40 hour week have forced county councils to increase the rates," observed the president, Mr Hugh Morrison, when referring at the meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of'.the Farmers’ Union today, to a letter from Nelson provincial executive, a copy of which was forwarded by the Dominion secretary, dealing with the increase of local body rating. “Counties have no alternative but to put up rates,” Mr Morrison added, “but at the same time it is a serious problem for farmers in this province, and it is time some action is taken.” Mr D. McGregor: “Featherston County rates are up one-eighth of a penny, and Wairarapa South thieeeighths.” Mr L. T. Daniell: "Mauriceville County rates went up nearly 09 per cent. We are well above Nelson here." Mr Morrison: "The Dominion Union this year reaffirmed the policy of derating.” The letter from Nelson stated:—“For the 1938-39 period Waimea County Council struck a general rate that in some ridings is 90 per cent greater than the general rate for the last period. This is partly due to the grouping of the ridings for rating purposes instead of having individual riding ratings as in the past, but in the main has been caused by a terrific increase in the cost of administration both by way of labour and materials. My executive would like to know if other counties in the Dominion have struck rates for this period on a similar basis.” It was decided that the secretary, Mr James Watson, obtain information on increases in local body rates in the Wairarapa for the information of the Dominion Secretary.