FUNDS FOR HIGHWAYS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 47, 23 August 1930, Page 14

FUNDS FOR HIGHWAYS

INTEREST ON FREE GRANTS

MOTORISTS URGED TO FIGHT

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WANGANUI, 22nd August.

Criticism was levelled at tho Government aetic regarding the Main Highways Board funds by Mr. A. E. Anselt, M.P., speaking as a motorist at the annual conference of the North Island Mo'jr Union held a* Wanganui to-day. The free grants to the board now had' to meet interest and sinking fund, he said. Such action in the business code of ethics would be dishonourable, but the Government had allowed necessity to overrule. The speaker urged the union to get together with the counties and farmers and fight the measure before it comes before the House next year to bo reconsidered. He described the latest developments as the most serious crisis that had ever confronted the motorists of the Dominion. The conference later empowered the executive to take action, Mr. W. O'Callaghan was elected president, and Dr. Porrit (Wanganui) and Mr. A. J. Toogood (Wellington) vicepresidents. A Wairarapa remit was carried: "That authorities be approached' with a view to having all level railway crossings so treated as to provide a holding surfaco in preference to lose metal, with a view to obviating accidents." The conference was of the opinion that in view of the heavy taxation now being carried by motor vehicle owners, the Government be asked to arrange for one representative to be appointed by the automobile associations to each of the district highways councils, and that the number of members of tho Main Highways Board be increased by one person to be appointed by the South Island Motor Union.