FARMERS’ LORRIES

Southland Times, Issue 21774, 1 August 1932, Page 4

FARMERS’ LORRIES

HEAVY TRAFFIC LICENSES. EXEMPTION FAVOURED. (From Our Winton Correspondent.) A proposal to exempt farmers from the payment of heavy traffic licenses for motor vehicles came before the Winton Borough Council at its meeting on Friday evening, and it was decided to favour exemption for genuine farmers. The Mayor, Mr W. Hamilton, presided over five councillors. The Commissioner of Transport wrote stating that representations had been made to the Government that heavy motor vehicles owned by farmers and used solely for the transport of the individual farmer’s produce and supplies be exempted from the payment of heavy traffic fees. “It seems as though they are going to let the farmer off,” remarked the Mayor. Councillor J. L. Lilico mentioned that he did not think that the farmer was going to be let off the license, but all that was wanted was an expression of opinion. The matter had been discussed by several public bodies in Southland.

In giving his opinion on the question, his Worship said he thought it only fair that the farmers should be exempt this year in any case. “If you tax milk lorries, etc., he said “you are going to put the horse and cart back on the road, and will such an action improve things?” Councillor R. C. Stenhouse expressed the opinion that the farmer should be exempt providing that he was doing only his own carting. Councillor Lilico contended that if the exemption was to be made on a mileage basis there would be hundreds of applications for exemption. It was mentioned that owners of lorries, such as builders, would also be endeavouring to secure exemption, but the Mayor declared that such individuals were not paying rates, while the farmer was paying in two or three ways.

“That’s a sore point just now,” remarked Councillor Lilico.

“The roads are there if you want to use them, and it’s your own fault if you don’t” said Councillor Watson. Councillor Stenhouse said he considered that the council should give its views on the matter as it affected the surrounding districts.

Councillor W. Balch stated that the proposal should be supported and that the farmer should be helped at every possible turn. Councillor Lilico moved that the council support the proposal that genuine farmers be exempt from the licenses. The motion was seconded by Councillor Gullick and carried.