SUBSIDY ON RATES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 245, 13 September 1935, Page 2

SUBSIDY ON RATES.

OROUA COUNTY’S SUPPORT

Holding that nationally the proposal would be beneficial, the Oroua County Council yesterday agreed to a request from the Counties’ Association, asking the council to support a resolution urgincr that legislation be introduced this session authorising payment of a £ for £ subsidy on roads other than main highways, instead of the present rate subsidy. ~ . Discussing tlio matter tlie chairman (Cr A. Campbell) said the Farmers Union and the Counties’ Association had agreed on this plan as the first step towards derating. As a subject of discussion it had been one which had been well thrashed out at many conferences. Many opinions were held upon it anil speaking from the point of view of the Oroua County, the chairman questioned whether they would be any better off. From a national point of view however, he considered the matter should be . supported Answering Cr .O. Mcltlroy the chairman said lie was fairly sure that the £1 for £1 subsidy would finally come for roads other than main highways. The funds undoubtedly would come out of motor taxation and when it was instituted it would bo to tlie decided benefit of the counties. The engineer (Mr R. L. Harchng) stated that the council last year spent £3300 on tho upkeep of the riding roads. , “Under tho £1 lor £1 scheme we would get £I9OO subsidy on that amount,” the chairman commented. Cr AV. McLennan voiced his support of tlie scheme and Cr McElroy said the proposal also met with his favour. On being put to the meeting the motion was carried.