FARMERS' BURDEN.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 18898, 29 May 1936, Page 2

FARMERS' BURDEN.

MATAMA'I'A DISCUSSION. GENERAL RATE UNALTERED. (Special to Times.) MATAMA’I'A, Thursday. That as farmers had not yet received any benent by way or reilui‘ there SllUlllll Vim no increase in rates, was me proposition submitted to the Alatanmta county go. by Mr E. U. \Vllile yesterday. When the estimate for the coming year were tabled showing that an increase of i-Sd in the £1 was necessary in the special rate to meet the cost or recentlyraised loans, Mr \Viulte protested against the suggestion. He pointed out that the Minister or Public Works had stated very deilnlteiy that the present system or ratilla' was unjust and unfair, and ill the face 'or this statement the council would be very unwise to increase the rates. 11 members Increased the burden on rate payers they would he left to carry it by others. and as yet though there had been much talk the farmer had received no henellt although costs were already going up. He suggested that the Minister on Public Works should be advised by telegram or their dimculty, and he advocated that the general rate should he reduce-(I by 1-8 d in order to balance the increase in special rates and allow or the total ram: being left at the same level. He IDOVELI in this direction. lnoroaud eon... Mr K. E. Cox pointed out that roads were already going back and ii‘ the general account was reduced as suggested there would be less maintenance than ever done. Increased costs also would allow of less money being spent. The engineer said the wages increase would cost 3-16 din the 2 on amendment that the special rate no increased by I,Bd and the general rate left as um year was then moved by Mr Ii". 5 Cox. The amendment \"(Ia currzcrl by Six rules to 1. It was further derided to semi a thinm‘ain tn the Minister or Pubili- \"n-rite ‘asii‘ing what relief was likely hr way of subsidy, or from tin: )mtrui la.\, and H‘Illllldlilk him that tr eit‘rlinn promises “'i‘i'i‘ not hrmunrorl it wunlrl he iliiilllS‘illli‘ i'nr thi' rminty to carry out it) prugnnnnm or works.