FARMERS’ OPINIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 190, 1 November 1927, Page 8

FARMERS’ OPINIONS

SUPPORT FOR PRINCIPLE Prior to the announcement of the 4d tax, the question of better roading facilities was brought before the executive of the Te Awamutu branch of the Farmers’ Union on Saturday last by the branch secretary, Mr. W. Hodgson. Mr. J. Gilbert, secretary of the Waikato sub-provincial executive, said he (as secretary of the Hamilton branch of the Auckland Automobile Association) could say that motorists generally dicl not mind paying extra fees provided those funds were used for improving the roads most used by motorists. He contended that users of roads should all contribute to the upkeep of roads, just as users of the railways paid for their construction and maintenance. He went on to quote figures compiled for the Hamilton Borough Council, showing percentages of fees from motorists that each body received. He concluded by supporting the petrol tax as proposed by the Prime Minister. "The president said the branch was more concerned with the provision of feeder or lateral roads than with main highways. Mr. Hodgson did not think the petrol tax was the fairest method, as the man on the side roads would be paying petrol tax and also local body rates. He thought the Main Highways Board should not receive the whole of the petrol tax. He remarked that the tyre tax was more a class tax than was equitable.