REVENUE FOR ROADS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29232, 16 June 1960, Page 7

REVENUE FOR ROADS

“Decision Rests With Government”

“The Government are the people to say whether or not we should have more revenue,” said Mr N. A. Rattray (Waimate), the counties’ representative on the National Roads Board, at the conference yesterday of the Counties’ Association.

“What steps are being taken by the Roads Board to increase its revenue to enable it to give bigger subsidies to the counties requiring them?” asked Mr F. D. Onion (Waipa). There was still “a floating 4d” remaining of the Is a gallon additional petrol tax imposed by the Government, replied Mr Rattray. To find out whether that 4d was to be taken off or partly diverted to the funds of the Roads Board the counties would have to ask the Minister of Finance.

“We are spending all the money we get,” said Mr Rattray. “It was obviously impossible for us to ask for more from the Government when we had a large surplus. Last year, we endeavoured to spend it and this year a surplus of £700,000 was budgeted for. “Fortunately, or unfortunately, our revenue has increased because people are using more petrol and we will end up this year with a surplus of £1,250,000.” Answering another question. Mr Rattray said the board thought the distribution of funds to districts was equitable. The board did not wish to interfere in the allocations to councils by the districts.