FARMERS AND CARS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 210, 19 August 1927, Page 7

FARMERS AND CARS

BURDEN OF LOCAL RATING MOTORISTS AND ROADS. PRIME MINISTER’S COMMENTS. (Special to “Tribune.”) Parliament Buildings, Aug. 19. The use of motor cars by farmers and others was a subject touched upon by the Prime Minister in the course of his speech in the financial debate yesterday afternoon. Mr. Coates said it was not the intention of the Government to dictate to the farmer in any way. It had been said that motor cars had been responsible for much trouble and undoubtedly that was so, but He added th.it many of the settlers did not ask for good roads. These were wanted by motorists and it was not altogether fair that farmers should have to pay for them. Mr. W. S. Glenn (Rangitikei): You agree that the farmer is entitled to his car?

Mr. Coates: Yes, certainly; that is, if he can pay for it. Mr. Glenn: If three of your Ministers have said that he is not entitled to it A voice: That’s nonsense!

Mr. Coates: 1 have not heard that statement made. He had heard of a case the other day of a farmer who had had his car locked up for the last seven years and had only made one trip into Wanganui during that time. '

the Government could not say what an individual should or should not do. Hear, hear). They were not going to dictate to the farmer. Local rating was a matter that w'as affecting the farmer to-day and was proving more burdensome than any other form of taxation. The taxation on a motor car at the present time was £3 per car but the cost of maintaining roads amounted to £6 per carWho was paying the extra £3? A voice: The ratepayers. Mr. Coates: Yes; that is so. The Prime Minister added that people who wanted better roads should be prepared to pay for them. Mr. T. M. Wilford (Hutt); Should not the . man who benefits from a good road near his property pay for it? Mr. Coates: Automatically he does pay his share.