Farmers Want More Motor Taxation Money Spent On County Roads

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 November 1949, Page 8

Farmers Want More Motor Taxation Money Spent On County Roads

Alarm at the small proportion of motor taxation that was being made available for county roads and bridges and a request that the allocation be increased to at least the same proportion as for urban areas, was the text of a resolution passed at a meeting of Rangitikei County ratepayers held in Marton on Tuesday night, when discussing the rapid deterioration of roads and bridges in the county. The county engineer, Mr. H. Murray Reid, told the meeting that expenditure from motor taxation on main highways in 1934-35 amounted to £1,277,791, and during 1944-45 it was £1,878,232, an increase of 48 per cent. On urban roads (cities, etc.) the respective figures were £271,946 and £371-972, an increase of 37 per cent. However, on other roads, and that meant county roads, in 1934-35 the amount from motor taxation spent was £385,689 as against £373,535 in 1944-45, this representing a decrease of 3 per cent. Mr. K. W. Dalrymple (chairman) said that the Ministry of Works was alarmed at the condition of the roads due to the heavy and fast transport. The increase in the vehicles lately had been about 5000. The Government imposed an extra 4d a gallon on petrol in 1939, but the counties got nothing extra from this tax for roads. Today the Railways Department heavy vehicles were carting huge loads that should travel by rail. “If we could get 2d of that petrol tax it would help us to get through.” said Mr. Dalrymple. The Federated Farmers cotfid assist the counties by pushing for this tax. The present Government was not out to help the country districts. To a question Mr. Dalrymple said that the county’s share of petrol tax was for highways only and not county roads. There were many county roads in bad order but it was necessary for the engineer to carry out repairs in an order of priority. “We are short of money and labour,” said the chairman. The tremendous tonnage going over the roads which should be carried on the railways was commented upon on by Mr. Alex Stuart, a former councillor. He referred in particular to the big lorries travelling along Makirikiri Road to Kakariki while the Bulls bridge was being built. At this stage Mr. C. F. Scott-Maun-drell (Rata) moved the resolution stated above and it was seconded by Mr. W. F. 'Tanner (Putorino). “I would like to see the matter held over until after November 30,” said Cr. A. S. Coleman. “If there is a change of Government we will get more help from the National Party.” “I don't agree with that. We should make our views known,” said Mr. T. Bergin (Marton). “If Mr. Coleman can guarantee to give us a change of Government then I might be agreeable.” Supporting Mr. Coleman, Mr. B. Cowper (Turakina) said he doubted the wisdom of passing the resolution at the present time. Lt might influence some to vote against the National Party, particularly those who were saying the farmers were always squealing for something. “Wheels that squeak get (he grease." said Mr. Dalrymple. “The Automobile Association is urging for main highway improvements and if we don’t do something we will be passed over." On the resolution being put to the meeting it was carried on the voices.