Few Benefit At Expense Of Many

Northern Advocate, 10 May 1939, Page 7

Few Benefit At Expense Of Many

-MR E. F. CONNOLLY

Whangaroa county ratepayers are being seriously affected by the operation of the railway community truck system.

So states Mr E. F. Connolly, acting chairman of the Whangaroa Harbour Board, and a member of the county council. “The system is operating in Whangaroa for the benefit of a few at the expense of the whole county,” Mr Connolly told the “Advocate.” Board Losing Revenue “Community trucks, by which several individuals combine to make up a full load to secure rail freightage !at a reduced rate, are run on the railway to th& Okaihau railhead, and the goods, transported by road to Kaeo and other Whangaroa centres. “The Harbour Board is losing revenue heavily, as these goods would otherwise come into the district by water transport. “The board’s finances are already in a serious position, and harbour charges are having to be raised to cover the costs, which would otherwise be met by revenue from goods now coming in by other means. Special Rate Probable “It seems that the board will have to levy a special rate in order to keep going.

“Thus county ratepayers are being doubly penalised. They are being asked to meet increased rates on their land and to pay higher harbour dues and wharfage charges, and, in addition, to pay for the heavy upkeep of county roads which are being badly cut about by the goods traffic from Okaihau.

The Harbour Board is losing money where it would otherwise have a credit balance, if the truck system was not running,” added Mr Connolly.

“The Whangaroa board will continue to keep in close touch with the position, and is watching the interests of the ratepayers in its county very closely.”