HIGHWAYS FINANCE

Northern Advocate, 5 November 1931, Page 4

HIGHWAYS FINANCE

Parliament some time ago set up a Select Committee to inquire into the general question of highways finance, with special reference to the allocation of the petrol tax. The committee tabled its report yesterday, and we venture to predict that it will arouse very keen interest throughout the whole Dominion, but particularly in the urban areas. Some very important recommendations are made. The committee proposes that the separate fund known as the Highways Fund should be maintained, though under the name of Roads and Bridges Fund. Into it should be paid all the proceeds from motor and petrol taxation, the whole of which should be used for reading purposes, though not necessarily all on main highways. It is further recommended that money in the fund should be automatically allocated to road districts as is done in respect of Public Works funds. Strong criticism of petrol prices is made, the committee holding that consumers in New Zealand are being charged too highly for the commodity by those who have control of supply and distribution. The committee does not advocate State control of the industry, but urges the Government to fix

prices, or, in the alternative, to tax foreign corporations at least threepence per gallon. Thr question of derating i-utiy considered by the committee, w!ih'h expresses itself in favour of relief being given in the direehan of derating farm lands for reading purposes. This recommendation, in view of the Dominionwide discussion of derating, _ is distinctly interesting. Speaking to the report, on its presentation to Parliament, some important statements were made by

members of Parliament, but lull details of the 1 ' committee’s findings will be awaited keenly by the people of the Dominion. It will be regretted that important legislation of this kind should be brought down so late in the session.