TAXES ON CAR OWNERS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22508, 16 September 1938, Page 17

TAXES ON CAR OWNERS

EFFORTS TO SECURE

REDUCTION

CONTROL OF PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS

MOTOR UNION’S ANNUAL REPORT

Motor taxation, penalties for wrongl*ul conversion of cars, the control of* cyclists and pedestrians, and absolute liability against motorists are among the subjects discussed in the annual report of the South Island Motor Union, to be presented at the annual meeting in Christchurch on September 23. The union made strong representations to the Government during the year for a reduction in motor taxation, according to the report, but its requests were not considered favourably by the Minister for Finance, the Hon. W. Nash. The Minister’s reply was to the effect that because of the Government’s heavy commitments no reduction could be granted this year. “The executive considers that further efforts should be confined to seeking a reduction ‘in the petrol tax,’’ the report says, “and particularly the emergency tax of 41d a gallon which was imposed during the depression and which is still devoted to the general revenue of the Government. “Delegates to the annual conference will be asked to consider the suggestion that, failing the removal of the 4£d emergency tax, representations be made to have the whole of the proceeds derived from petrol taxation devoted to the roads, thus freeing the Highways Board from the necessity of borrowing substantial amounts to meet the. expenses of- construction and maintenance of highways.” Dealing with the wrongful conversion of cars, the report says that some time ago the motor unions were largely responsible in having power granted to increase the penalty for this offence. It goes on to say that, judging by the frequency with which the offence is still committed, it would appear that magistrates are not taking advantage of the power bestowed op them to inflict heavier penalties, ft is proposed to ask automobile associations to start an agitation to bring the position mure effectively before the public and the magistrates. This matter also will be 1 considered at the annual conference.

Cyclists and Pedestrians

"We feel Justified in expressing our disappointment at the inefficient control on our highways of cyclists and pedestrians,” the report continues. “Whilst motorists are subject to strict compliance with the regulations, cyclists and pedestrians are permitted to transgress to a very large degree. “Because of the numerous accidents in which they are being involved, we have made representations to the Transport Department for t closer cooperation between traffic officers and the police, with a view;to securing better observance, particularly in city streets, of the regulations governing these two classes of road users. “We have been assured the Minister for Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, is taking this matter up with the Minister (in charge of the police, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason.” Discussing the proposal of the Minister for Justice, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, to introduce a bill eliminating entirely the question of negligence by a motorist as a basis in the assessment of damages in motor accidents, the report says that, in the opinion of the executive, the effect of the proposal would be to east a stigma on the motor--Ist, as he would at all times be held responsible for the result of any accident, even though he might be blameless. - ‘ “Representatives of both unions assembled at short notice, and the grounds for our objections were submitted to the Minister. Every avenue which was considered likely, to assist in stifling this unjust proposal was explored and this entailed much deep thought and earnest effort. “'Members can rest assured the . executive will keep a vigilant watch for a reappearance of any, attempt to place such a proposal on the Statute Book.”

CHECKING OIL LEVELS

DIFFICULTY WITH SOME MODERN CARS

A fault of modern car design Is that few manufacturers provide a simple means for the owner to check the level of lubrication m the gearbox and differential. It follows then that these parts are often neglected, and on many occasions cars have been driven for a considerable distance with the owner unaware that gearbox, or differential. or both, are bone dry. , ' . Sometimes a warning of this condition in the gearbox is conveyed by a rattling noise, especially in the morning when the engine is cold and what little oil still in the gearbox has not had a chance to thin and penetrate •the ball races in which run the main and counter shafts. This does not always happen, however, and often the motorist finds I without warning that permanent damage has been caused to these ball races so that they have replaced. , The wise course of action is to have the levels in gearbox and differentia, checked every 5000 miles. Once the run-ning-in period Is past, it Is not entirely necessary- to drain and .flush these units, but the oil must be kept to the proper level at all times. This statement, however, must be qualified for cars fitted with the new hypoid back-axle gears, Th ese gears have many advantages, of which one of the', most important is that there is always a greater teeth area in meshing ; contact, but the action of thesr gears is particularly trying on lubricating oil. A special type, known as extreme pressure oil, has to be used: but this while providing the lubrication, which ■ordinary oils fail to Rive these gears, tends to break down fairly rapidly It is bf the utmost importance that this type of differential should be drained and flushed at intervals of 50(M) miles at the most, and refilled with the proper grade of extreme pressure oil.

PREPARE FOR CARAVANNING

Though there are special attractions for the caravanner in the long summer days, every season is actually caravan season because of the comforts of these, homes' on wheels. Now is the time when , the prospective caravanner, or. camper for.“that matter, should be planning ahead, selecting his equipment in good time, nnd not waiting until the spring rush sets In. * i