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Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1930, Page 4

Tub final settlement of the petrol tax nt sixpence instead of the sevetipencO proposed Originally, is likely to leave the local bodies dependant Oil highways fluids, iibt much better off. At the higher Cate there was a possibility of the local bodies •benefittittg somewhat, but on the reduction, and with the annual charges now thrown on . the Highways Board, the increase as estimated will not equal the total of the extra charges which to save the Consolidated • Fund, have now to bo provided from the highways income. The prospect of the backblock roads benefit-ting, hopes of which were aroused by the present ActingPrime Alin inter, is not likely to come to pass, more particularly as a result of the increased price of petrol combined with the quieter times all over the Dominion, less- petrol will he consumed, and consequently with less imported for local requirements, the accruing revenue from the tax will show a decline. From a local body point of view it would appear to have been better that the position had not been' interfered with at all, hut former conditions allowed to prevail. The only favourable prospect is the promise of the Prime Minister that the whole nmestion of highways funds is to he investigated during the year, and the position re-opened in August next. By that time there should be some opportunity for Dominion affairs brightening up At all events it will be possible to guage the revenue prospects from the increased taxation, and to note the effect on the highways funds of the changed order of administration under which by statutory authority, fresh financial obligations have been cast on the Highways Board. The Board iii the meantime will not be in a. very assured position. It does not know its probable fate in regal'd to revenue, nor can it design a programme of works ahead for any length with the present uncertainty before it. The highways system has been responsible for good results since its inaugurate! on,' and if it had been able to carry on as of yore, a short time would have sufficed to make a material improvement to the main roads. Certainly it has raised the standard of roadway in this country, and has been responsible for the carrying out of a large amount of permanent and semi-permanent work. The type of roads constructed and maintained has also conduced to a longer life to the work done, so that in regard to- future upkeep there must be, also, a saving. The system actually has lifted the roading of the Dominion ahead greatly, and it will be regretted if any serious check is now put upon it to depreciate the value it is possible to give the users of the roads as time goes on. The local bodies in this matter require to be alert, and to impress upon the government the mistake it would be to permit so excellent a system being allowed to run to seed through overloading.