ROAD TAXATION

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11491, 19 November 1931, Page 2

ROAD TAXATION

GREATER RELIEF SOUGHT. MINISTERIAL SYMPATHY LABOR LEADER NONCOMMITTAL Opinions expressed at a recent meeting, of the Cook County Council were to the effect that the sum of £250,000 allocated for the relief of reading taxation was inadequate and it was decided to make representations for greater relief to the members of Cabinet and various other prominent politicians. At yesterday’s mooting nf the council, on this subject, the following letter was received from the Hon. W. Downie Stewart: “Your representations have received careful consideration, but due regard must be given to the revenues of the Government’s ’finances. As a. result of the fall in, prices, the revenues of the Government have been greatly reduced and you will realise therefore that only-limited assistance can he rendered without -imposing additional hyrdons on the taxpayer. With regard to the proposals outlined in the statement attached to your letter, the question of highways finance was recently the subject of an exhaustive inquiry by a special Parliamentary committee, and although representations similar to those embodied in the statement were placed before the committee no recommendations were made in regard thereto. You may lost assured, however, that the Government is fully alive to the position, and is using its best endeavours to extend to the farming community and primary producers generally as much assistance as the present state of the Government finances will permit.”

Acknowledgment’ of the representations was also received from other Ministers and, in- addition, the following letter from the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. H. E. Holland:— "I am in receipt of your letter, covering a copy of a. letter from you to the Prime Minister regarding the position of county ratepayers and the allocation of L 250.000 from, the Main Highways Board, and hasten to thank you for the information which you have been good enough to send ire.” Tho letters were received.