HEAVY TRAFFIC FEES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 15, 12 October 1927, Page 7

HEAVY TRAFFIC FEES

METHOD OF EXPENDITURE

IN BACKBLOCKS OR NEAR

TOWNS

Masterton, October 11. A proposal that the money received for heavy traffic fees, which are at present being devoted to permanent surfacing of roads, be applied rather to improving the condition of roads a greater distance from town met with little agreement when brought forward by Councillor J. W. A. Falloon at today’s meeting of tlie Masterton County Council. The speaker gave notice of motion that a resolution on the council’s books, that the amount received in heavy traffic fees be applied to permanent surfacing of toads, be rescinded, and that they be allocated among the ridings in a manner to be agreed upon by the council. Councillor Falloon stated that the original motion had been that the money be used for tar sealing. However, the council had not followed that out altogether, but had used the money on highways for other work lie felt that the council should follow the example of other counties and allocate the money to different highways and ridings as occasion arose. In his own riding, namely, Upper Taueru, lie was in the unfortunate position of having no highways, and all he received was a small subsidy, which he had to make go as far as possible. One sawmill was operating in the locality and another was opening, and consequently heavy traffic passed over the road continualIv. He, therefore, felt that his riding was deserving of some assistance. The chairman said that as he had moved the original motion he would adhere to it. He had always been of the opinion that those people who paid ■ heavy traffic fees should have something for their money, and if the council followed out the idea of the motion, namelv, to have a certain amount of tar-scaled road laid down each year, then it would be making some provision.

Councillor G. Moore: Even if tar sealing is not necessary ?

The chairman: It is necessary

Councillor Moore remarked that the money that came from out-back ridings should, in his opinion be spent on those ridings. There were numerous settlers who had paid for their roads and who had to leave their cars five or six miles out.

The chairman reminded the speaker that the same applied to other ridings, his own included. There the settlers were prepared to see permanent surfaces laid down on roads closer to town.

Councillor H. 11. Mawley said lie was in sympathy with the position of Councillor Falloon, and while he could not support the motion, he was personally inclined to see a certajn sum go to a riding in the position’ of Upper Taueru, provided the amount was reasonable.