RAID ON ROAD FUNDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 67

RAID ON ROAD FUNDS.

RESENTED BY MOTORISTS.

DETERMINED TO FIGHT GOVERNMENT.

CHRISTCHURCH, September 26. Speakers at the meeting of the South Island Motor Union to-day expressed a determination to fight the Government on its raid on the Main Highways Fund. In- this fight they intend to seek the cooperation of the counties and the Farmers’ Unions. ■ Before next session, when further legislation will be necessary to continue the petrol tax, a conference of these bodies will discuss the finances of the Highways Board. Speaking at the meeting to-day, Mr A. E. Ansell, M.P., held that the Government’s action violated a contract sealed by legislation. “ Nothing more serious than this raid on the highways funds' has happened in the history of motoring in this, country,” said Mr Ansell. “You all know the details. There is a total of £sl6,ooo—which is now a charge on the Highways Fund, whereas formerly it was not. The interests of the counties are identical with those of the motorists. Originally the subsidies paid to the

counties on rates were free grants, but now the Government says they are not. This means that the counties are to be saddled with an increasing charge each year for interest and sinking fund till the amount has become staggering.” Mr H. Halliday (Otago) said the union had always been a non-political body, but he was afraid they would have to change that and take to politics. The present Government,, he thought, could not last long.