HIGHWAY MATTERS

Shannon News, 20 January 1928, Page 2

HIGHWAY MATTERS

MEETING OF NO. 9 DISTRICT COUNCIL. LEVIN-HOKIO ROAD TO BE RECOMMENDED FOR SUBSIDY. A meeting of No. 9 Highways District Council was held at Palmerston North yesterday, there being, present: Messrs Eoiiayne, District Engineer of Public Works (chairman). Blackley (Hutt County Council), Beech (Makaia), Campbell (Oroua), Batchelor (Kairanga), Monk (Horowhenua),. and Barber (Manawatu)., LOADOMETERS. In connection with the purchase of loadomcters, the Main Highways Board regretted being unable to supply same, and suggested that Counties should group together and buy their own. HEAVY TRAFFIC FEES. In connection with heavy traffic license fees the Board pointed out that the original intention was. that the heavy traffic fees should have been divided on an absolutely correct and logical basis, namely, in proportion to the actual use made of the roads of any local authority by any vehicle, and if local authorities insisted . on lorry owners supplying the information r!5 their travel as they should do, me absolutely logical division of the foes would # present no difficulty. ANNUAL ESTIMATES. The annual estimates were discussed, and it was decided to approach the Main Highways Board with the object of having the estimates prepared earlier in the year so that local bodies could arrange their-'programmes, well ahead. ADDITIONAL HIGHWAYS. The Council considered the matter of additional highways being created, and the following were recommended: 1 Levin to Hokio (Horowhenua County).

Rongotca to Tangimoaua (Manawatu County). Bunhythorpe - Kairanga - Rongotca (Manawatu and Kairanga Counties). Taonui-Raumai and Feilding to Hunterville (Oroua and Kiwitea Counties). Pphangina to Coal Creek bridge (Pohangina County).

PETROL TAX FOR MAINTENANCE ONLY.

As regards the distribution of the petrol tax the Main Highways Board pointed out that the impression Which many local bodies had gained, that the petrol tax will enable the Board to grant increases towards cost of construction, etc., of present highways, was incorrect. The allocation of revenue derived from the petrol tax was for the purposes of maintenance only.