HEAVY TRAFFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 222, 19 September 1928, Page 5

HEAVY TRAFFIC.

REDUCTION OF FEES. LOCAL BODIES INVOLVED. PRIME MINISTERS CAUTIOUS STATEMENT. ißy Telegraph.— Parlianieniary '.Ic^ortcr.V WELLINGTON, Tuesday. That it, was necessary to reduce the minimum rate by legislation was by no means clearly established, said the Prime Minister in the House to-day, in replying to Mr. H. Atmore (Nelson) who asked whether it wa.' the intention of the Government to give effect to the recommendation of the Industries and Commerce Committee, and grant some relief in taxation on commercial vehicle*. Mr. Coates said the question was an econoriiic and comprehensive one, involving as it did quite a number of local authorities in respect to their own finances. In the case of Wellington there would be a difficulty at once, and many other local authorities had informed him that whatever reduction ! plight be made in heavy traffic fees would havo to be made up in some other way in the form of revenue. "The Government, however, will couerl.r the matter very carefully," continued Mr. Coates. "I am not certain that it will be necessary to have legislation, unless the minimum fee of £5 is considered to be too heavy for a minimum . ice. For myself, Ido not think that £5 j can be considered too heavy. The matter cau be dealt with by regulation up to £5. No stated amount of reduction has been given, but any decision will have to be considered "carefully, because the financial position of every local authority in New Zealand is affected/'