THE MAIN ROADS BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 August 1921, Page 7

THE MAIN ROADS BILL.

TARANAKI PENALISED. The proposals of the Main Roads Bill, which the Government intend to bring down during the next session of Parliament, were the subject of comment by Mr. O. J. Hawken, the member for Egmont, in conversation with an liJTtham Argus representative. “Of course,” remarked Mr. Hawken, “it is difficult to say, from the very sketchy outline of the Bill given in the newspapers, what its actual provisions are, but it seems to ipe that as far us South Taranaki is concerned that the proposals will act most inequitably. Assuming that the main road will be from Waitara, through Stratford, Eltham and Hawera to Wanganui—as I believe ia suggested—the four counties in my electorate, vi?., Eltharn, Egmont, Waimate West and Hawera, would have a total of about 24 miles of road which would be taken over. This road is at present a splendid tar-sealed road, in fact, one of the best in New Zealand. Its maintenance would not cost the Government more than £l5OO per annum. The money for this purpose will be provided by a motor tax. Now the number of motor cars in the four counties mentioned is about 2000, and there ie a further 2000 motor bicycles. Assuming that the taxation will be £5 per annum for cars and £1 for bicycles (and nothing less would be oi much use for the | purpose of the Bill) the four counties | would contribute £12,000 per year, while receiving a benefit of only £1500! “These four counties,” co'ntinued Mr. Hawken, “are probably the four most progressive and efficient in New Zealand as far as road-making ie concerned, and it is obvious that they would be placed at a great disadvantage. They are already very heavily fated and have spent very large sums in making good | roads. They would receive practically no benefit under the new policy, and I further would be called upon to assist in providing good roads in districts which have not been so progressive and efficient —a most inequitable proposal. For instance, take a county such as Egmont. which is at present in financial straits. While it would receive no assistance whatever under the proposals of the Bill, it would yet be called upon to contribute to the cost of roads in other counties.”