SOUTH ISLAND PROTEST,

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1927, Page 2

SOUTH ISLAND PROTEST,

AT ALLOCATION OF PETROL TAX

DUNEDIN, Nov. 15

At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, Air S. B. MacDonald, who was present as representative of the Otago Expansion League moved: “That this meeting of the Chamber expresses profound dissatisfaction at the lion-allocation of the petrol tax between each Island, and requests Atcmbers of Parliament to insist on the insertion of a clause in tho Highways’ Act Amendment Bill now before Parliament, giving effect to such an allocation on the basis of petrol used in each Island. Air AfacDonald spoke strongly against Government’s proposals and expressed the opinion that u.nles a strong protest was made the whole of the money raised bv the petrol tax would be spent flu the North Island. He said South Island roads wore put in the present condition out of the people’s money, who made a present of them to tlie Government at the time of the abolition of the Provincial Councils. Government, had given practically nothing towards the cost of the roads in the-South Island, and yet the South Island had given millions for roading in the North Island. The South Island wanted either an allocation on a 50-50 basis, or tbe money to be silent in the Island in which it was collected. The motion was seconded hv G. J. Williamson, who expressed the opinion that tlie hulk of the tax would be spent in the North Island. Afr A. Barnett said he would like all associated bodies in Otago and Southland to discuss tlie matter in a comprehensive way and to send such a strong delegation to Wellington that the Government must listen to them. Air ATaeDonald said the action suggested by ATr Barnett had been taken. The Expansion League hail organised matters and the voice of the South Island would be heard very strongly fn Wellington. The motion was carried unanimously.