MOTOR LICENSES.

Bruce Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 50, 4 July 1918, Page 4

MOTOR LICENSES.

UPKEEP OF COUNTY EOADS.

At the monthly meeting of the Clutha County Council on Friday a letter was received from 'Win. Roy, clerk Bruce County Council stating that his council had resolved to ask that a conference of representatives of the counties of Clutha, Bruce, Taieri, Tuapeka and the boroughs contained in that area be held to deal with the matter of heavy -motor traffic, in order that a uniform by-law might be made to govern the traffic and to provide for the imposition of a license fee which would be reasonable and at the same time revenue producing. Jt was suggested that the middle of July would be a suitable time to hold the conference. . It was decided that the chairman •(Councillor North) and the clerk be appointed delegates. The chairman asked for an expression of opinion on the subject, so that the delegates would have something to ■work on. Councillor Overton said the motor lorries should be encouraged, especially in the back country. Councillor Christie said that it seemed an absurdity that this heavy traffic should compete with the railways. It was very heavy on the roads. .Councillor ■Gumming: Private enterprise against State •management. Councillor Edwards: There's something radically wrong when motors can compete against the State railways with the present price of potrol, tyres, etc., is taken into account. Some action is necessary to get money in licenses from these motors.

Councillor Begg: .There are many points to Ijc considered. If each county had a separate license then the motor would need a new license every 40 miles it proceeded. Councillor 'Miller said the ttiotdrS should be supported, as the people were being robbed by the railways. The lorries should run the rails of the roads. ((Laughter.) .Councillor (Begg: Was not this question considered by the Counties' Association? The clerk said that fees and licenses had been 'fixed 'by schedule in Wellington;

.Councillor 'Miller: All the motors will be driven by air yet. (Laughter.) 'Councillor Begg: These lorries may •be: taxed in Dunedin when Dunedin wakes up—which is very unlikely—and then the city would have, a revenue and the country the wear and tear. ' 'Councillor Gumming: Theunain roads should be kept as free as possible for anyone travelling. Councillor-Maginness: With;the.present shortage of petrol, the Government should conserve petrol supplies, and the stuff carried ihy.thc lorries should be carried by the railways. Those who ua« the roads most will wear the most

tyres out, and they will thus have to ' pay- the most tax. There is a war on, and the high railway freights charged aro a result of this, so the people should not complain. iCouncillor North thanked the coun- ■ ■cillora.for their views, and said the -delegates would present them to the njonfeten?e. , ,