PETROL TAX

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20908, 13 September 1939, Page 14

PETROL TAX

THRESHING INTERESTS NO FURTHER COSTS The additional petrol tax of 4d per gallon was discussed at the annual meeting of the North Island Threshing Mill, Hay Baling, Chaff Cutting, Maize and Clover Shelling Employers’ Association, held at Palmerston North, when it was decided that, in order not to increase costs to the farming industry, the association's charges should not be altered in the meantime. There was a large attendance of members from the various districts at the meeting. The annual report and balance sheet showed a satisfactory financial position and the council was congratulated on the manner in which the affairs of the association had been conducted during the year. For the ensuing term Lhe following council was elected: — Messrs T. J. Bones, Feilding; R. M. Dawson, Palmerston North; D. Kernohan, Manawatu; E. M. Langley, Hastings; W. H. Oppatt, Rangitikei; 11. T. Parsons, Greytown; A. 'H. Rhodes, Marion; J. S. Schwass, Shannon; L. Sutton, Wairarapa. Mr H. T. Parsons was re-elected president and Mr E. M. Langley vice-president. Wages Increase The council reported that the New Zealand Workers’ Union was making demands for an increase of 20 per cent in wages and other concessions for men employed by farm contractors. The meeting resolved to oppose any such increase as i f . was impossible under present conditions for contractors to stand any extra overhead expenses and as employees were already receiving very good wages. Any increase would have to be passed on to the farmers, and members considered that, ia view of the present plight of the primary industries, any extra charges would create a burden which the farmers of tne country could not afford to stand.