SANDON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 218, 14 September 1934, Page 3

SANDON

| MANAWATU COUNTY AFFAIRS At Tuesday’s meeting of the Mana- • watu County Council, main highways estimates were approved as follow: Construction: Himatangi-Sanson (on account), £7OOO (£3 for £1); SansonBulls. £BOO (£2 for £1); .Sanson-Pal-merston North, Awahuri Bridge protection, £9O (£1 for £1); HimatangiRangiotu, £9310 (£3 for £1). Maintenance: Wellington - Auckland, £2429 (£3 for £1); Awahuri- Mangaweka, £430 (£3 for £1); Sanson-Pal-merston North, £1044 (£3 for £1); Mt. Stewart, £124 (£3 for £1); FoxtonShannon, £498 (£3 for £1); RongoteaLongburn. £4BB (£3 for £1) and £333 at £2 for £1; Tangimoana, £228 (£3 for £1); Foxton Beach, £l7l (£3 for £1); traffic inspection, £350 (£2 for £1). Tree Planting. With the view of afforestation wi the sand dune area on the coast-line, a deputation comprising Messrs. M. A. Elliott, W. G. Black and W. H. Cadwallader, of. Palmerston North, waited on the Manawatu County Council. The deputation was welcomed by the chairnwin (Cr. W. E. Barber). Mr. Elliott said that the generallyexpressed opinion was that relief workers were not employed on really useful work. The question of tree planting had been taken up by the Government and the Labour Department had agreed to find the labour and finance. The suggestion was for the council to take over the supervision and the State was willing that any profits that might accrue from the sale of timber should belong to the council. Mr. Elliott gave details of the proposal, Mr. Black said the scheme had arisen from the objection of relief workers going to Kaingaroa Plains. All the council would be responsible for would bo cost of supervision and the provision of marram grass. The council would eventually obtain a substantial ret urn. Mr. Cad wal lade r said the Labour Department was sympathetic. Afforestation on the sand dunes would ultimately become essential and the opportunity should be taken under the favourable terms offered. The chairman (Cr. Barber) said he was in sympathy with the scheme, but it was a question of cost. He was satisfied the country would grow trees, but he was not in favour of concentrating on pinna insignus. Expert ' knowledge was necessary. In answer to Cr. Perrett, Mr. Elliott said the Forestry Department would find the cost of supervision estimated at 5s per acre. The chairman said it was too late this year, but preliminary arrangements could be made for next planting season. The deputation then retired. The county engineer said a camp would be necessary; he did not know' how big. It might run into a big thing. The county clerk (Mr. A. K. Drew) said one difficulty would be land tenure and fencing would be a big item, too. The county engineer said he saw no difficulty regarding fencing since the Unemployment Board, under 4B scheme, was assisting private individuals. After further discussion it was resolved that the chairman, clerk and engineer bo appointed to get details and report to next meeting. Motor Taxation. The question of motor taxation was discussed at a meeting of the Manawatu County Council on Tuesday, following correspondence received from the Counties’ Association advising that the problem of motor taxation was being inquired into by the Transport Co-ordination Board. The questions to be considered are: (1) Heavy traffic licence fees. (2) Petrol tax. (3) Tyre tax. (4) Drivers’ Licences. (5) Annual Licence fee. (6) Customs duty. A committee was set up to report on the following recommendations: —(1) That only half fees be charged farmers’ lorries used exclusively for the carriage of farm produce. (2) That at least sixpence per gallon of the petrol fax be paid into the Main Highways Fund. (3) That the tyre tax be taken off or substantially reduced on tyres used on vehicles employed on main highways construction or maintenance. (4) That the fee for drivers’ licences be reduced to 2s (id. (5) That the annual licence fee for cars be substantially reduced. (6) That customs duties on cars and parts are far too high.