HIGHWAYS GRANT

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1929, Page 6

HIGHWAYS GRANT

OBJECTION AT WANGANUI. per Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). WANGANUI, September 18. The following resolution was passed unanimously here this afternoon concerning the latest, 'proposed legislation, on highways.:; “This conference of Wanganui County Council, Waitotara County Council, and Wanganui Automobile Association is of opinion that the burden of-. opening up construction and maintenance roads necessary for the development of the Dominion should be a charge .on the general taxpayer, and not , a charge specifically upon the motorist; The Premier s proposals to charge against the revenue and construction funds of the Main Highways Board interest and sinking funds upon the sums appropriated, under Section 14 A and 16 B respectively of the Main Highways Act, and specifically intended to cover the cost of maintenance and construction on ,what were before the passing of the Act, Governments roads, are in .effect a transference of the burden of maintaining and constructing these Government roads from the general taxpayer to the motorists. This conference is of opinion that this would constitute a distinct breach of faith, and would be totally unjustified by the facts of the case, and therefore^.considers the Government s 1 10 uId*“rnaintain the appropriations free of interest, as-twas : the intention when the Acttwas passed.”