HEAVY TRAFFIC LICENSES

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5245, 29 February 1928, Page 2

HEAVY TRAFFIC LICENSES

EXEMPTION OF FARMERS.

NO ACTION BY COUNTY COUNCIL.

A strong protest against the payment of a heavy traffic license fee for a. vehicle used solely for farm work was made by Mr F. M. Strange at the last meeting of the Piako County Council. In forwarding a cheque for £9 for the license of his 30cwt. truck Mr Strange said he did so under protest for the following reasons: "The demand is made on the legal interpretation of a word which I contend was never intended. I pay £175 in rates and should not be taxed to cart my produce off the farm- During the past year I ca.rted six loads from Te Aroha none of which was over a ton. I. also cart my milk over 30 chains of road for which I pay a heavy special rate. The'milk is then taken to the factory in trucks which already pay a heavy traffic license. In no case is my truck used for hire.” Cr. Kennedy: Do we charge every farmer who has a heavy."lorry for carting his produce? The Chairman: We are compelled to do so under the Act. Ci-. Kennedy : If he carts his produce by waggon he has practically nothing to pay.

Cr. Walters thought a resolution should be passed urging the Countiefr Association to take the matter up with the object of having farmers’ vehicles exempted. No action was taken.. Cr. Kennedy: It is clear that we can make no concession in the case of Mr Strange. The- Chairman :. Certainly not. I think Mr Strange understands our position.