COUNTY ROAD SUBSIDIES

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1926, Page 1

COUNTY ROAD SUBSIDIES

LARGER Cll-AXTS SUGGESTED.Some plain speaking was indulged in at the New Zealand Counties’ Association conference by Mr A. 12. .Tull, president, on the question of subsidies. Ho remarked that the Government had frequently been urged to modify the system of payment of subsidy upon the county and road hoard rates. An archaic relic or the subsidy distribution was tli,at the subsidy was only payable upon the first fd in the £ of general rates. This principle was en-

tirely wrong, and to put it in homely language was another case of “feeding the Ifat sow.” The Government, of course, must determine the total subsidy it can afford to pay, but the conference should continue to urge that whatever the amount—in his opinion it should be increased—it should at any fate he payable upon the total any,unt of general rates collected by tjlc counties, and 'be distributed a'mong the ridings in the same proportions. THOSE BEST ABLE TO PAY. As State taxation was usually imposed in such a- way as to make the imposition greatest on those host able to pay. he thought State assistance to local authorities should bo distributed in greater measure to those who were in greatest need. (Hear, hear).

When the conference Inst met, the new main highway legislation had just come into operation, but councils had not had any experience as to how it would affect counties. It was truly stated that the contribution to be made by the Main Highways Board towards the cost of the maintenance of the main highways was too small, namely, one-third hy the board, to two-thirds by the council. On the.other hand the Government, in the absence of accurate knowledge as to the probable revenue front, motor taxation and the probable expenditure upon rnaintenonoe, was inclined to be cautious in its statutory proposals. After a rear’s experience, it was seen that the finance of the board would permit of an increase in the contribution. The boai’d was given power to increase it to. £ for £, which meant a oO per cent increase, and which was paid last year. f As the counties became more alive to the benefits accruing from theboards’ contribution, they sfiso increased their expenditure, with greet benefit to the Main Highways of the Dominion. The taxation from motor traffic was steadily increasing, and the demands of the roads for maintenance were also proportionately greater. He believed that a still greater contribution could with safety be granted bv the board if legislative authority, was obtained. (Hear, bear).

Last year a meeting was called of the district highways councils executive for the purpose of getting into closer touch with each other as to the administration, of the Act. and it might be desirable to call those bodies together again from time to time, when such questions as the elimination of railwav crossings and the distribution of tlic cost of such work might be discussed . direct, and if possible some equitable formula agreed to. (Applause).