COST OF ROADS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 297, 18 July 1929, Page 1

COST OF ROADS.

STILL MOUNTING. Due to Higher Standards. The need for settlers realising that modern requirements in regard to motor roads could not be carried out without an increase in rates, was touched upon bv Cr. Bruce (Karapiro) at Friday’s meeting of the Matamata County Council. Commenting on the estimates, Cr. Bruce stated that he was disappointed, z.z r. o doubt other councillors were, that they CvuM not reduce the general rate this year, despite the fact that they were getting £2 for £1 subsidy from the Main Highways Board on the main highways. Councillors realised that it was due to the increase in motor traffic and the demand for better roads, but it was very hard to convince ratepayers with regard to this view. He had thought it might be possible to cut down expenditure on the main highways from general fund, but he could see this was impossible. However, there was a compensating feature so far as Karapiro ratepayers were concerned, and that was their valuations were down. He had made up his mind to reduce his general rate, but with lower valuations this could not now be done. However, his ratepayers were lucky in that with lower valuations they woula now get the benefit of the higher valuations in other ridings, which would contribute more to other funds distinct from general rate. He could see that the further they went the less likely they were to have a credit balance in future years. Cr. Allen commented that with better roads settlers saved time and got cheaper goods.