FOXTON

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 248, 18 September 1929, Page 11

FOXTON

(From Our Own Correspondent.) FOXTON, Sept. 17.

At its last meeting the Foxton Chamber of Commerce discussed the Government's ! proposals in connection with the highway subsidy and increased taxation and passed a resolution expressing disapproval at the Prime Minister’s action in connection therewith. A copy of the resolution was forwarded to the Prime Minister and various local bodies, who supported the chamber 'in its protest. The secretary has now ! received the following reply to tho-cham- ; ber’s letter from Sir Joseph Ward: —“I havo to say that while it is not proposed to make any transfer front tho Public Works Fund this year, this will not mean any curtailment of tho capital allocation to highways, but merely that tho whole of the moneys will be borrowed directly for that purpose, instead of partly through the Public Works Fund. Tho Highways Beard has ample funds for carrying out its programme, which will not be affected by tho adjustments under reference. In fact, when tho board arranged its programme for the year it was not awaro that those adjustments wore contemplated. In regard to tho primago duty and tho land tax proposals, I have to point out that additional revenuo is necessary to balance the year’s accounts and it is essential that this should be done. Tho increase in the primage duty is considered to bo the least disturbing of any possible temporary tax, and, as has been shown in tho course of tho debate in the House, its effect on individual families will be very small indeed. As to tho land tax proposals, in addition to producing additional revenue, these will assist the Government’s land settlement policy. Further, it is generally recognised that tho large estates arc not bearing their fair share of taxation.”

During a visit to Nelson last week a local resident was surprised to note tho extensive damage done to business and other premises in the centre of tho town by the recent disastrous earthquake. Repairs, now in progress, will run into thousands of pounds. Prior to leaving Nelson on r nday evening tho visitor experienced a sharp quake, which, however, did not seem to give serious concern to the Nelson people, who arc apparently now accustomed to the uncanny happening. Mr Norman Crosswell, of Main Street, «u to TT bc ■ r< T movod t 0 tho Palmerston North Hosprtal yesterday by the ambulancc suffering from a severe strain. Only last Thursday Mr Cresswoll’s little daughter, Madelcne, suffered a fracture of her arm.

I ishermen report that a large quantity of whitebait crossed the bar and made its way up the Manawatu Kivcr during the week-end but proved very hard to net in the river.