The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, JANUARY 8th, 1940. MOTOR TAXATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 107, 8 January 1940, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, JANUARY Bth, 1940. MOTOR TAXATION

IN view of the rumours of the imposition of further benzine restrictions, it is interesting; to note the very far-reach-ing and drastic results which follow automatically. Already the tax harvest from this source: is enormous and were it not for the war the motoring 1 public would undoubtedly be on the verge of rebellion. However it is now looked upon as a necesary evil which under the conditions obtaining at present can be interpreted as spreading the burden.' But what will happen in the event of restrictions. Not only will the vital taxation returns dwindle but the entire country will be thrown once again into a state of paralytic chaos. We have already had a taste of it in the early stages of the war. A repetition will not be relished. The motor industry is doing its utmost to keep up 'business as usual' but its principals realise that it is riding on the crest of uncertainty. It would appear to be most unfair to load this important industry with any further increase in taxation or restriction in petrol. War needs are everybody s needs and the load placed upon the users of motor vehicles has been too heavy and unequitable for some time past- To our minds this is an industry which should be protected rather than attacked, as it. is upon the users of motor vehicles that the financial stability of the Dominion largely depends. Without the collossal revenue from motorists, the Government would be sorely tried to find other avenues for taxation and it is clear that its best plan would be to encourage the use of motor vehicles rather than face the job of discovering new fields for taxaton. Undoubtedly this prob lem must cause considerable anxiety and the public should be urged to carry on in the national interests and without 'reprisals' until the war is over. At the same time the public cannot be too easily swayed if the taxation is so increased to become exorbitant, or the restrictions developed into a stranglehold which creates commercial deadlock.