FARMERS’ UNION

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 17, 14 October 1927, Page 6

FARMERS’ UNION

PETROL TAX FOR BY-ROADS.

Masterton, October 13

A meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held to-day, the president (Mr. C. C. Jackson) occupying the. chair. The question of political action by the union was discussed in committee, the following resolution being carried unanimously:—That this executive considers that it is against the best interests of. the union to undertake political action on party lines. It was decided after some discussion that, in view of the fact that motor traffic practically ruined the highways before the coming into force- of motor taxation, thereby depriving farmers of much of their capital invested in roads, a petrol tax of 4d. per gallon be instituted, threepence,to go to the Highways Board and one penny to county councils for the maintenance of roads other than main highways. , . ,- c - . In regard to a complamt that artificial manures had been spoiled through leaky tarpaulins on railway tiucks, the secretary (Mr. J. Watson) said he had been advised by the local stationmaster that the fault was due to handling on private sidings and not to the railway authorities, who frequently inspected the taupaulins. A vote of condolence was accorded the relatives of the late Mr. H. H. Nevins, of Makuri, Pahiatua, who was one of the original members of the Wairarapa executive.