TOLL GATES FOR EGMONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 March 1920, Page 2

TOLL GATES FOR EGMONT.

1 To the Editor. Sir, —At the last nice of the Egmont County Council, when the question of finding increased revenue was discussed, Councillor Campbell Is reported to have stated "that the only solution was the erection of toll-gates." 1 lie residents of Opunake should be alert and oppose any attempt to erect toll gates. The fl'nisy argument that people who motor to the Opunake beach uso the roads, and do not pay- for their upkeep was used as a strong plea for the introduction of toll gates. The assertion Is ridiculous. Visitors who come here pay rate 3 elsewhere, and also pay a motor license. County Councils get a subsidy :'roni the consolidated, revenue and benefit by cheap money and at times a subsidy on bridges, bMng all backed by the inhabitants of the Dominion. The true Issue Is being dodged by county councils. All imain roads should bo kept free of noxious weeds and toll gates out of revenue from the land. The landowners are hot bearing their Just responsibilities in this respect. First class roads Improve the value of land to a greater extent than any other improvement, and no farmer cnn say that he has lost money by money spent on good roads. Thoy cannot have it every way. At present they can get big selling prices for land, they have low valuations and good roads, and they want to put part of their just burdens 011 shoulders less able to bear them than theirs. Most county councils are composed of gentlemen who are noted not for their perspective or wide vision, but for the.abundance of wealth they possess.—l am, etc., OPUNAKE.