ROADS AND FARMERS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 184, 2 May 1933, Page 8

ROADS AND FARMERS

Chairman of Motor Club Criticises Derating

MONEY FOR HIGHWAYS

The opinion that farmers’ organisations were, at the moment, fairly active in a revival of their demands for derating of farm lands was expressed at last evening’s meeting of the Wellington Automobile Club by the chairman, Mr. E. A. Batt. The methods advocated by some sections of the Farmers’ Union were, Mr. Batt, considered, fairly revolutionary, but he did not think they would succeed by using such methods. However, it was not surprising that the demands should be revived for the reason that, although motor taxation had been substantially increased, particularly during the past two years, the relief to rural ratepayers from the Main Highways Fund had been gradually reduced. Motor taxation imposed primarily for the purpose of providing funds to be spent on the roads, and giving indirect relief to the county ratepayers had been diverted to relieve the Consolidated Fund. If the whole of motor taxation were spent on reading undoubtedly the farmers would have obtained considerable relief in the matter of rating. It seemed, continued Mr. Batt, that instead of demanding higher taxation on road users the farmers’ organisations should endeavour to have all motor taxation spent on reading, instead of being used for Consolidated Fund purposes. The present motor taxation would be found more than adequate if it were applied in the rigliT direction. After a brief discussion, it was decided to bring the matter under the notice of the North Island (N.Z.) Motor Union for urgent attention.