The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12. 1927. THE PETROL TAX.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12. 1927. THE PETROL TAX.

Tint petrol tax is the subject of keen debate in the House, no less than outside, where the shoe will pinch most among the users. The principle is being supported generally, the chief jHiint of difference' being as to the amount of the levy. Among the objections raised is the complaint that the amount is too high and will raise more money than can or should he s|K-tit reasonably. One aspect of the matter which should receive attention is that ninety-two per cent, of the amount raised is to he appropriated by the Highways Board, and the balance of eight per cent, to large boroughs. There is no provision for district roads though there is the suggestion that subsidiary roads should he subsidised, hut to earn that subsidy the local bodies will require to raise or provide an equal sum before the subsidiary may he available. There is a- restrictive condition which is going to he a hardship on many local bodies. There is, of course the heavy traffic license fees, hut as far as local experience goes, the return from that source is altogether inadequate to recoup the outlay necessary to maintain the roads used by heavy traffic in a condition at all creditable. There can he no question that district roads used for heavy traffic suffer greatly by the large loads and excessive speed at which the traffic moves. The roads wore not built for such traffic, and to cope with it, maintenance costs must he unduly high. Ordinary repairs do not suffice and the result is a serious burden is cast on the local body, while users generally complain about the state of the roadway, it would appear that all roads subjected to heavy traffic by motor vehicles .should, in equity, receive some portion of the petrol tax in order that the general user of the ordinary motor vehicle may have some recompense for the special tax he lias to pay for the petrol lie uses. The mere subsidy is not an adequate distribution because of the special damage incurred upon roads not built for the class of heavy traffic referred to. nor in a condition (except at great expense) to carry it. The local bodies, which find their maintenance funds short will not he able to avail themselves of a subsidy and tlie roads must go from had to worse, or the damaging traffic be prohibited. The latter course will often mean a check on industrial activities, and the rendering idle of capital invested in industrial concerns. Local laxlies have a safeguard in the limitation of loading, hut that means curtailing industry and is a check on local progress and development. As the matter stands the local bodies might well assert themselves in a demand for some stipulated share of the revenue raised by the petrol tax. either on a road mileage affected by heavy traffic, or on a direct subsidy in proportion to tho license fees collected from tho heavy traffic operating. Motorists will appreciate the value of improved roads, whatever the class of traffic, and without income those improvements cannot he brought about, The Highways Board has done very good work in the matter of road improvements with the revenue available already, and with more money greater improvements can he achieved. But tho district roads require to be taken into account, and the onus for their upkeep should not be thrown upon the local rates. Some assistance could well be drawn from the petrol taxation, and that is one direction in which the Bill now before Parliament should be amended.