MAIN HIGHWAYS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 10359, 23 April 1930, Page 3

MAIN HIGHWAYS

Ratepayers’ Heavy Burden. OPOTIKI COMMENT. The maintaining of main highways in condition to stand up to pres-tent-day motor traffic is causing apprehension to local bodies (says the Opotiki Herald). It has come to such a pass that to burden ratepayers any further is out of the question. In fact rates at the present time are too high, and a reduction will have to be made. Hoads have to be maintained, but by whom, i rf a big question. It is contended that road-users are the ones most able to bear the cost, and the fairest way is to impose increased taxation on petrol. Dispense with Highway Boards and let the Public Works Department do the administration work would also lessen costs. The scheme would cost millions of pounds, but by imposing sufficient tax on petrol to cover interest and sinking fund charges is the only way out of the difficulty. It would also do a lot to relieve unemployment. Propertyowners and local bodies favour the idea. The native rate problem would also be solved to a large extent. Transportation charges would not be notably increased, and wear and tear would be materially reduced, the one counteracting the other.