COUNTY OBJECTS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3267, 24 May 1943, Page 5

COUNTY OBJECTS

UNFAIR TREATMENT PETROL FOR COUNCILLORS STAND URGED BY MEMBER “We should refuse co-operation until we get the fullest co-oper-ation of the Government,” stated Cr. H. A. Rushton at the monthly meeting of the Piako County Council on Monday. This statement was made upon the conclusion of the reading' of a letter from the Oil Fuel Controller, wFb stated that by the Piako County Council for an adequate supply of benzine for councillors to carry out their duties could not be complied with. The reason for this refusal was that if one council received ■, a benzine allowance asked for, all others in the .Dominion would have to receive similar treatment. It was pointed out, however, that the exigencies, of war would not permit this. “Plenty In Country “There is plenty'of petrol in the country but it is being misused,” said Cr. Rushton. During a later discussion on the duties of members of local bodies and public organisations, such as the Rehabilitation Committees and the Primary Production Council, the. question was asked: “Who was going to pay for the tyres and benzine which the members of

these organisations would have 'to use?” It was not fair, members agreed, that those members who were working in • the interests of the taxpayer should have to bear the expense and use their private benzine. “Make one stand the whole lot,” Cr. Rushton urged. Request To Mr Thorn Cr. Rushton was supported in his view of the matter by Cr. F. E. Harris, and it was decided that Mr Janies Thorn, M.P. for Thames, be written to with the request for this information before any appointments were made to the Rehabilitation Committee. In reply to the Oil Fuel Controller’s letter it was decided to write to the Counties’ Association ' with the request that it press for more petrol for county councillors and •others working in the interests of taxpayers.