ROAD FINANCE SYSTEM

Southland Times, Issue 23840, 10 June 1939, Page 12

ROAD FINANCE SYSTEM

COUNTY COUNCIL’S CRITICISM BURDEN OF COST ON RATEPAYERS A complaint that ratepayers in the county were expected to pay too. much towards improving the surfaces of roads was made by Cr L. A. Niederer at yesterday’s meeting of the Southland County Council. Cr Niederer’s remarks followed tne reading of a letter from the Automobile Association (Southland), expressing appreciation of the fact that the council’s chief duty was to give reading access, and noting with satisfaction that the construction of new roads was now substantially completed. The association also expressed its appreciation of the council’s intention during 1939-40 of undertaking a limited length of reconstruction and surface sealing. The basis on which the council applied for subsidy last year for the sealing of 17.9 miles of highway was noted. This basis, the letter added, did not appear to be the basis upon which other local authorities had undertaken a sealing programme, and in case the matter might be of interest, details of a programme of sealing in the Ashburton County were enclosed. The basis of subsidy was £3 for £l, and the association understood that all other local authorities had undertaken sealing work on the same basis, except in unusual circumstances which did not apply to Southland. The association appreciated that there was a definite injustice to the Southland County in the rate subsidy in comparison with other counties, and it would raise the matter with the proper Government authorities in an attempt to secure a more equitable subsidy basis.

The association would base its endeavours upon the injustice to local motorists as well as the inequitable position of the county. At the same time it might be pointed out to the council that with an unusually high mileage of State highways the council was probably in a better position from that aspect than most others. To alter a method of subsidizing local authorities was not a matter that could be accomplished in a short time, and the association would be disappointed if the council postponed the inauguration of a comprehensive sealing programme until such time as an alteration in the subsidy could be obtained. The Ashburton County’s disadvantage under the present rate subsidy basis appeared to be similar to that of the Southland County, yet the Ashburton authority was proceeding with a sealing programme as mentioned.

The association repeated the claims made by its deputation that from the broad point of view, taking into account the total cost to the motorists, including the Southland County rate-payer-motorists, the time had definitely arrived when sealing in the county would make for more economic transport in all its phases. For that reason it was pleasing to note that the council proposed during the current year to include certain sealing proposals, but the association would emphasize that Southland was far behind the rest of New Zealand in its sealing work and trusted that the mileage proposed to be sealed would be substantial and would be the first instalment of a continuing annual programme. NEED FOR OVERHAULING “We consider that the system of highways finance wants overhauling,” said Cr Niederer, “because people are clamouring for improvements to roads. The cities seem to be getting more than their proportion. They receive £7O a mile and we receive £B. The road users should pay for the improved surfaces. We should let the Highways Board know we are not satisfied with the assistance we get. This statement proves conclusively that it doesn’t intend to give any more financial assistance.”

Cr W. M. Norman agreed that they were not satisfied, and added that it was their duty to bring the matter before the authorities and let them know how the council felt.

“Everybody wants sealed roads,” he said, “but why should the ratepayers pay for them? The road users are agreeable to do so, as it means longer life for their cars.”

The chairman (Cr J. Dennis) said he agreed with the sentiments expressed, but it might be better not to cry out too loud, as it would strengthen the impression that Southland was always crying out for something. “We are not crying out,” said Cr Niederer. “The system is wrong and is lagging behind.” The chairman suggested that it might be better to put the request through the Counties’ Association rather than direct from the county. Cr Niederer moved: “That the Southland County Council express its disappointment that no further assistance can be given from the Highways Board funds to ensure that the users of roads pay for road improvements above the standard that exists today.” The motion was seconded by •Cr T. Golden and carried. HIGHWAY BOARD’S ATTITUDE A circular letter from the Main Highways Board stated that the board had considered the prospects of being able to consider applications for additional highways, but wished to advise local authorities that it would be unable to approve of any general increase in connection with the annual review for the current year. From the board’s visits to various districts from time to time, the letter added, e it appeared that, generally speaking, local authorities were anxious to obtain additional highways for the main purpose of obtaining further financial assistance. While the board appreciated the financial difficulties of local authorities generally, it found it necessary to point out that the principal object of the annual review was to make adjustments in the main highways system which were found to be necessary or desirable because of the changed conditions in traffic; that was to say, it might be found that a main highway, which was declared some years ago because of its importance at that time, might not today possess the same relative degree of highway characteristics as other roads on which traffic had substantially developed and where perhaps the density was greater than on the existing main highway. In cases of this kind the annual review afforded an opportunity of adjusting the matter by revoking the main highway in question and declaring by way of exchange approximately corresponding mileage of road which had assumed highway characteristics. The letter was received.