TOLL-GATE COMMISSION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 34, 10 June 1915, Page 6

TOLL-GATE COMMISSION.

OPENED THIS MORNING. I,■ • _ Commissioner Short sat ut the Courthouse, Stratford, to-day heating evidence in regard to the appointment of a toll-gate at Waipuku. The various local bodies interested were represented as follows: Stratford County 'Council. Mr R. Spenee (instructed by W. G. .Mulone). Stratford Borough Council, the Mayor (Mr J. W. Boon). New Plymouth Borough Council and Taranaki County Council, Mr J. H. Quilliam. Eltham County Council, Mr J. L. Weir. Clifton County Council, Mr (.'. F. Dowsett. Hawera County Council, Mr J. B. Murdoch. f The Commissioner, in opening the Commission, stated that the Stratford County Council applied for permission to open a toll gate. The Minister for Public Works considered it necessary that other counties shoul I lie represented. The cost should be contributed under Section 109 of the Public Works Act, 1908. Taranaki v.as the only district where toll-gates are in operation von district roads. This application was one for putting a tollgnte on the Main Road. A Commjssion was issued to'ascertain whether it was not better to make a proportionate tax for the upkeep in preference to a toll-gate. , The Commission had to inquire whether one gate lie erected or a proportionate tax made on all bodies. The Government took a tally for a week, and all parties were given a copy of the tally, which shows that if the cost is apportioned ther. the local bodies may have to contribute to the cost. If the proportion were made under this section it would be as follows: -Strafford Council 21. Taranaki :<!. St rat lord Borough 17 .New Plymouth 15. Hawera i). Kltham -I. Clifton ."i. Secondly, the Commission would decide the rate of proportion among bodies if proportionate payment be made. Expression of opinion was sought as to what impost would be preferred: Stratford County Toll; Borough Impost; . N.l'. Borough Toll ; Taranaki Toll; Eltham Toll: Hawera Toll ; Clifton Toll. If one body can put up a toll, then the Government may find a difficulty in preventing other bodies erecting foil-gales . (Left sitting.)