MAIN HIGHWAYS ACT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5170, 26 August 1927, Page 4

MAIN HIGHWAYS ACT.

DISSATISFIED RATEPAYERS.

VIEWS OF FARMERS’ UNION.

“That the serious economic situation of the farmer makes it essential that road users pay a more reasonable share towards road maintenance” were the terms of a resolution moved by Mr L. T. Daniell at the last meeting of the Walrarapa executive of the Farmers’ Union. He suggested that a deputation wait upon the No. 10 District Highways Council and urge that a system similar to the Hutt Road tax be instituted in the No. 10 highways area.

“ Motor traffic has been the curse of the district, first ruining the roads and then seriously upsetting the finances of the farmers, who tried to put them in order again,” said the speak er, after dealing with the steady upward trend in road rates, and pointing out that the general rates of the Masterton County amounted to £21,000, as against £9,000 in 1914. There had been no great increase in population, no new secondary industries had been developed, and few new miles of road had been developed. “When the Highways Act came into force in 1924 it was hailed as a deliverer from bondage-. Certainly it has set high standards for the work to be done—a fact which is causing general satisfaction. But so far as .assistanceto county ratepayers is concerned it has been a serious failure. * During the 13 years specified the Masterton county ratepayers have contributed no less than £195,000 in hard cash towards the upkeep of the district roads, and the Highways oßard has contributed £10,000.” The speaker said that in the Masterton County a 50 1 per cent, reduction in the rate would bring the rate to £10,500 per annum, qs against £9OOO for 1914. It had to be done or the farming community could not live. Any sum over the figure mentioned must be raised by a vehicle tax, such as on petrol or tires. It was for tlie user of the road to pay.

After an acrimonious discussion, the motion was carried. No action was taken in regard to appointing a deputation until-the matter had been diseased by the branches.