MAIN HIGHWAYS

Waipa Post, Volume 38, Issue 2271, 21 February 1929, Page 5

MAIN HIGHWAYS

MOTORISTS' INFLUENCE ON BOARD. DETRIMENTAL TO RATEPAYERS, AUCKLAND, Wednesday. A motion, moved by Mr R. H. Feisst (Cambridge) "That the automobile associations were having too much influence on the Main Highways Board, to the detriment of the ratepayers," gave rise to an animated debate at last night's- meeting of the Auckland executive of the Farmers' Union. Supporting the motion, Mr. J. B. Jordan offered to prove that Mr A. E. Jull, acting chairman of the Highways Board, had said that the board's decision concerning a certain route in the Auckland district had been based on the recommendations of the Auckland Automobile Association. "It is a case of pull devil, pull baker," said Mr C. C. Munro. "Everyone is trying to get the most out of the Main Highways Board. You cannot look on the motorist as an enemy." He maintained that the motorist paid his share of road upkeep through the tyre and benzine taxes, and was entitled to have a say on the board. Mr W. Lee Martin, M.P.: The farmers still pay the greater part of the cost of roads, through the heavy loans they have had to raise. If the position is analysed, it will be found that the ratepayers are still paying more than their share. The only remedy is the nationalisation of the main highways, and now it is time to ask for it. (Applause). On the motion of Mr R. D. Duxfield, it was decided to refer the matter to the next meeting; meanwhile statistics that will give a clearer view of the position will be gathered. Mr Feisst suggested another element of influence in the Public Works Department. It was agreed that a remit, asking whether the Public Works Department carried out the plans of the Main Highways Board to the best economic-al advantage, be forwarded to the Dominion executive.