ROADS AND MOTORS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 60, 12 March 1926, Page 5

ROADS AND MOTORS.

WEAR AND TEAR. FUNDS FOR MAINTENANCE. (By Telegraph.—Otvn Correspondents

PUKEKOHE, this day,

The -wear on road 9 due to motor traffic -was the subject of a report made to the Franklin County Council yesterday by the engineer (Mr. J. F. McArthur), who said that further financial provision would require to be made in the near future if adequate maintenance was to be carried out on existing nietal roads. Owing to the increased traffic generally, the metal roads, including ones laid down within the past few years, were showing decided signs of wear. The revenue available in the riding had not been sufficient to maintain "the metal surfaces and carry out very necessary side work. If the roads were to be kept 6afe for traffic, and in good order, some form of motor tax would be necessary, which should be payable. direct by" the motor owners to the county. He suggested that strong representation be made to the proper authorities in this connection.

It wae considered by the council that the rates were already higli enough and could not be increased. More funds for road maintenance would" be available wlien the council had paid its antecedent liability in about four years' time, but meantime a permanent solution must be sought-

It was -'thought by members that an increase in the tax on cars would have to. be made, and rt was resolved to refer the matter to the Counties' Association with a vjew to 'representations '''being made to the -Government/.- • ■ • ■