COUNTY LOSES REVENUE

Evening Star, Issue 22631, 24 April 1937, Page 13

COUNTY LOSES REVENUE

MOTOR DRIVERS' LICENSE FEES TAKEN SOUTHLAND PROTEST [Pee United Press Association.] INVERCARGILL, April 23. A unanimous protest against ti.. proposal of the Government to tak-. away from county councils the author ity to issue motor drivers’ licenses wu. made by members of the Southlam, County Council to-day. A copj l of tin proposals for alterations in the methoi, of issuing licenses, received by the council from the Transport Depart ment, stated that it was proposed to revise the system of traffic control so that in future cities and _ boroughs with a population exceeding 6,000 would be responsible for their own enforcement as at present, and the Government would bo responsible for smaller centres and rural areas. The proposal provided that the proceeds from the issue of drivers’ licenses would be distributed to those author) ties responsible for the control of traffic and to the Government. At present these licenses are issued by the various local authorities. “It will mean that we will lose over £1,500 a year,”, said the chairman (Mr E. F. Trapski), “ and will be one of the things which will cause us to put up our rates.” Cr J. M‘Neill said the council should enter an emphatic protest against this latest interference with the county’s revenue. The authorities were making use of the argument that they were going to take over the control of the traffic. “We control it quite well now,” he said, “ and I do not think they will make a better job of it.” Gr G. Wraytt said it seemed as if the Government was taking away more than it was giving the county. He supported the protest. Cr T. Golden said the county would have to raise £1,500 a year extra from the ratepayers to make up the loss from licenses, and it would mean making an increase in the rates.