DEMANDS FOR ROADS

Grey River Argus, 6 March 1937, Page 11

DEMANDS FOR ROADS

RISE IN RATES LIKELY. RESTRICTION OF SUBSIDIES (Per Press Association.) ASHBURTON, March 5. Replying to the request of the Ashburton County Council, for a subsidy of £13C,500 on its paving programme for the next four years, Mr A. J. Bake, deputy-chairman of the Main Highways Board, said this morning that the increase in motor registrations. since the Board granted large subsidies three years ago, demanded the restriction of subsidies, resulting in local authorities asking permission to raise loans without the consent of the ratepayers. This was the Government’s policy, but the Board had been into the question and had made a certain recommendation to the Govern, ment. Three years ago, motor registrations were 120,000. They were now 250,000, the increase in 1936 being 12 per cent, over 1935, and there was everv likelihood of that increase continuing for some years to come. Combined with higher speeds,, this caused higher expenditure by thg Board, which was compelled to give aid only in the most urgent cases. Mr C. J. Talbot, a member of the Board, said that the position was arising where the demands for good roads must result in increased rates all round.