FARMERS’ TRUCKS

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3668, 15 February 1940, Page 2

FARMERS’ TRUCKS

question of licence fees THAMES EXECUTIVE’S VIEW That farmers carting their own produce should not be required to obtain heavy traffic licences for their trucks was contended at Tuesday's meeting of the Northern Hiames Sub-provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union, held at Paeroa. The matter arose when the following remit was received from the Netherton Branch: “That meeting tirges the Minister of Transport to expedite the amendments to the heavy traffic licences on farmers’ trucks in view of the fact that they already pay heavy county rates. It contends that the 50 per cent, contemplated reduction in fees is inadequate and suggests 75 per cent.”

11 was staled by Mr C. Townsend that the whole position at present was unsatisfactory. It was more or less optional for the county councils to collect these fees. Members were of the opinion that a substantial reduction should be given to farmers carting their own produce, as in most cases the runs 10 the factories were only a few miles a day. It was hardly fair to expect a farmer to pay the same taxation, for such a vehicle as was paid by a professional carrier who used his truck for his livelihood. " lis was especially unfair as the farmer paid infinitely more in rates to the local authority than would the carrier. The remit was carried.