THE TOLL-GATE QUESTION

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 46, 16 June 1914, Page 2

THE TOLL-GATE QUESTION

SOUTH RIDING MEETING. There was a good attendance of ratepayers in the South Riding of the" Stratford County Council at the meeting held in the Ngaere Hall yesterday afternoon for the purpose of discussing the question of erecting a toll-gate in the Riding. The County Chairman (Mr W. Hathaway) presided, and Crs. Thomson and Christoffel, the Riding members, were also present. The chairman dealt fully with the position. He said th'eSouth Hiding was in a better financial position than any of the other Ridings. The ratepayers had to decide what was to be done to pay for damage to the roads caused by vehicles,,,other than their own. Tt was said by some that milk carts did more damage than motor cars, but a tally taken in the North Riding showed that there were two motor cars for every horse-drawn vehicle on the roads. Ratepayers would certainly not agree to pay the cost of renewing the roads every four years. Settlers bad every right to expect those using the road for pleasure to pay something towards its upkeep. He estimated the revenue from a- tollgate at Waipuku at £llOO, but it would he less if the gate was in the South Riding. It was his opinion that settlers would derive no benefit if the Government took over the main roads. After the matter had been discussed fully Mr N. A. Brown moved—" That it be a recommendation to the Council to erect a toll gate in the North Riding, and that the portion of the revenue to he allocated to the other ridings be left to the Council to decide." Cr. Christoffel seconded, and| the motion was carried unanimously. Mr Hathaway was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for the information given.