Evening star., 1937-04-22

do not have = permanent improved
surface, and his department now has
pending requests for more than $780,
900 worth Of curb and gutter work.
I'VE are faced with 4 serious prob
lem," he declared.
Parking Discussed.
The automobile parking situation
was next discussed, and Trafnc Direc-
tor William A. Van Duzer questioned
about the use Of parking meters as q
means Of raising additional revenue.
He replied that automobile clubs,
merchants and motorists In cities
where parking meters have been adopt
ed have approved them.
Van Duzer also pointed out there is
curb space In the three zones in the
congested area for parking e,O00
private automobiles. 1t was estimated
that the use OF meters in the area
would yield about $4,000 a day at 4
rate Of S cents an hour for 6l2 hours.
Parking meters are coming" warned
Representative Nichols, Democrat, Of
Oklahoma, "and this city might as well
&cI Icduy 1OT tucIN.
Mrs. Mason Questioned.
Mrs. Agnes Mason, acting chairman
of the Alcoholic Beverage Control
Board. next was questioned about the
activities OF that board. She said be-
tween February, 1884, and April /,
1887, the board had collected $2,675, ,o07
in license fees and $3,199,l38 In taxes
on liquor.
Asked whether any changes should
be made. Mrs. Mason said she did not
believe the tax on liquor should be
raised, but the license fees should be
increased, especially those for hotels
having 100 or more rooms. She sug-
gested $4,000 annual license fee for
hotels.
Representative Nichols asked II she
thought the limitation on the num-
ber Of liquor establishments should
be removed. If that is done, she pre-
dicted, prohibition would be returned
to the District, because there is pro-
nounced sentiment now against the
number OF establishments already
licensed.
Mrs. Mason also explained why the
board suspended licenses Of dealers
who failed to pay bills to wholesalers
in q reasonable" period.
Keech Offers Statement.
Late in the hearing, the subcom-
mittee turned to study OF taxes paid
by utility corporations, and Richmond
B. Keech. vice president Of the Public
Utilities Commission submitted state
ment showing the payment In the 1896
fiscal year totaled $2,052,779.
Keech was asked to suggest what
new taxes should be imposed on the
utility corporations. He replied that
until the utilities commission knew
what part Of the additional tax burden
the companies would have to bear, he
would not be in position to recon-
mend any changes. He pointed out that
additional taxes on the corporations
eventually would be passed along to
consumers.
Nichols requested the commission
to submit statistical information to
the subcommittee showing whether an
investigation Of telephone rates is war
ranted at this time.
keech pointed out the rider attached
to the 1898 District appropriation bill
authorizing the commission to investi-
gate telephone rates is insignificant
since the commission already has the
authority to make the inquiry.
The hearing will be resumed Tues
day at 10 am. At that time the sub
committee will continue its examina
ton Of members of the Public Utilities
Commission and probably discuss
proposals for increasing the gasoline
tax and taxing insurance companies.