COST OF ROADING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 249, 19 September 1929, Page 7

COST OF ROADING.

CONFERENCE AT WANGANUI. Per Press Association. .WANGANUI, Sept. 18. The following resolution was passed unanimously this afternoon concerning the latest proposed legislation on highways:—“This conference of the Wanganui County Council. Waitotara County Council - and Wanganui Automobile Association is of opinion that the burden of opening up, construction and maintenance of roads necessary for the development of the Dominion should bo a charge ou the general taxpayer and not a charge specifically upon the motorist. Tho Prime Minister’s proposals to charge against the revenue and construction funds of the Main Highways Board interest and sinking funds upon sums appropriated under sections 14 a and 16 b respectively of the Main Highways Act, and specifically intended to cover the cost of maintenance and construction on what wore before the passing of the Act. Government roads are, in effect, a transference of the burden of maintaining and constructing these Government roads from the general taxpayer to the motorist. The conference is of opinion that this would constitute a distinct breach of faith and would be totally unjustified by the facts of the case and therefore considers the Government should maintain the appropriations free of interest, as was the intention when the Act was passed.”