HEAVY TRAFFIC FEES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 193, 16 August 1928, Page 3

HEAVY TRAFFIC FEES

ALLOCATION AGREED ON CONFERENCE AT WANGANUI Delegates from local bodies within the No. 9 Heavy Traffic District met in Wanganui yesterday to determine the basis of allocation of license fees in the area for the coming term of two years. The Mayor of Wanganui (Mr W. J. Rogers), who presided, submitted the following report: — “In March, 1925, a conference was held in Wanganui at which the local authorities in the district considered a scheme for distributing the !'cense fees. At the conference a proposal was submitted that the basis should be miles of metal roads and capital values, 50 per cent. each. This proposal was agreed to by all except the Patea County and the Hunterville town district. As the conference was not unanimous, it became necessary to determine the basis by order of the Magistrate.

“Application was duly made to the Magistrate, who, after hearing lengthy evidence, affirmed the basis as sugr gested as being a proper method of distribution, the only variation being that Mangaweka town district received an extra 1 per cent., wliich was deducted from the Rangitikei County. This county subsequently agreed to give Bulls and Hunterville Town Boards an extra 1 per cent. “It was agreed that the figures to be taken for the miles of road and capital value, be those given in the Government statistics for 1923-24, and that the arrangement be for one year.

“On May 6, 1926, a further conference was called when it was agreed to renew the arrangement for a further two years until Alarch 31, 1928. It was also decided that 10 per cent, instead of 5 per cent, be deducted by the collecting authority, before paying into the pool. “It was also agreed that the Wanganui's City Council inspector act over the whole of the district, under authority of the local bodies concerned and that £l5O should be allowed for his services, in addition to travelling and car expenses. “The two years’ agreement having terminated on March 31 last, it becomes ’ necessary to make a fresh agreement for the disposal of the license fees now being collected. It would seem that unless a mfuch bet-

tor system can be brought forward, and one which is likely to meet with the general approval of the delegates, a further appeal to the agistrate would be futile, for having once heard the application for an award, he would require very strong evidence to be produced to warrant him making a variation, or giving his approval of another scheme.

“For the information of the conference, a table has been compiled showing the miles of roads, and the capital values according to the. latest Government publication. On these the perentages have been worked out which show only a slight variation to those pre .iously. “Tables are also given showing last year’s collections distributed on the new percentages.

(a) On bii. is of 10 per cent, for collection before distribution. (b) On basis of 15 per cent, for collection before distribution. (c) On basis of 20 per cent, for

collection before distribution. “It will be for the conference to decide whether the present 10 per cent, be again adopted, or, as it has been suggested by some, to adopt a larger percentage for collection. “The matter of the Wanganui City inspector acting over the whole of the district: It has been suggested that perhaps the Rangitikei County inspector could take all below the Wangaehu River and the city inspector all north of Wangaehu.” Air F. Purnell (Marton) moved that the same allocation be continued for two years. He thought that the meeting could deal with the matter under discussion under three headings—(l) the same allocation; (2) ten per cent, or otherwise; (3) tho control of the district.

Mr W. G. Belton (Patea) opposed the motion, pointing out that Rangitikei was more favoured in its metal supply than Patea and should bave some additional consideration.

Mr A. G. Simpson (Rangitikei) said there was a good deal in what Air Belton said, and he agreed that Rangitikei should forego £lOO to Patea. — The offer was accepted with thanks. The motion that the basis of percentage of collection be 10 per cent, as in the past was carried, an amendment that the percentage be 15 per cent., lapsing for want of a seconder.

The same method of distribution of fees, namely through the Wanganui City Council, was decided on. The system of inspection was discussed, the city engineer (Air J. S. L. Deem) stating that the scheme was to divide £l5O between the Wanganui City Council and the Rangitikei County Council in regard to inspection.