Wheel Tax.

Mr Ward moved, "That this Conference recognising the injustice which the vehicle tax, in force in the Counties of Westland, Grey, Inangahua and Buller, imposes upon farmers, recommend to the Government the advisability of its taking the necessary steps to have the tax removed from vehicles the property of bona fide farmers and used solely for the conveyance of produce to market and in the ordinary work of the farm." Mr Ward said the farmers of Westland were subjected to a tax on the vehicles used for carrying produce to market, and in the general work of the farm. The tax is imposed by the West-land County Council, who had been requested to reduce it, but without avail. The farmers have no representative on the council, the mining population and the business people being in the majority. He was requested to bring this resolution forward, so as to get an expression of opinion from gentlemen engaged in agriculture on the injustice of this tax.

Mr W. Wilson said this was a matter which affected the local bodies.

Mr Grigg said the fanners of Westland were entitled to the sympathy of the Conference.

Mr Buchanan explained the circumstances which led to power being given to local bodies to make such by-laws when the Bill was before the House of Representatives.

The motion was agreed to.