MOTOR TRAFFIC.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144051, 22 March 1913, Page 2

MOTOR TRAFFIC.

DISCUSSED BY THE EGMOXT COUNCIL.

At tlio monthly meeting of the«*Egmout County Council on Friday last Councillor "Wilcox moved to rescind resolution making a charge of 12s 6d per trip on Johnston Bros/ traction engine and trailers. Ho said it must be admitted the settlors had to get -their stuff away, and making such a charge which tlio traction owners would have to put on to the freight was only making the settlers put their hands into one pocket to transfer the money into tlie other. He considered it would only lair to the ratepayers to rescind the resolution. Councillor Harvey seconded.

Councillor Burgess said originally he was not in favour of the tax, but ho was now opposed to rescinding. On flat roads he did not think the traction engines, did much damage, but on hills they did a lot. It had nothing to do with either ratepayers or factories as lie understood a contract was let and any relief would benefit the contractor alone. If the Egmont County took off tho impost Taranaki would probably put it on heavier.

Councillor Harvey said the first traction engine had no trailer and carrying tho load cm tho two pair of wheels ho knew did damage, but now the trailers were used he'did not think it did so much damage and this caused him to change his opinion. The wheels also wore now much wider, which in his opinion prevented damage. Tlie Chairman (Councillor Dudley) said that after fighting for six months to got them put off tho road he coulH not support the rescinding motion. His solution was to make tho wheels wider. If a 12-inch was doing damage then make it 16-inch, and if 10-hich was not wide enough then make it 24-inch.

A division was called for, when Councillors Willcox, Harvey and .Campbell voted in favour of the motion, and Councillors Dudley, Burgess, Farguhar, Hurst and Davey against. Councillor Harvey asked if there was any doubt about being able to collect it.

The clerk produced Johnston Bros.’ letter, in which they stated they were willing to pay it.