MOTOR UNION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1932, Page 3

MOTOR UNION

HOSTILITY TO MOTOR TAXATION. (By Telegraph—Per Pres' Association ) CHRISTCHURCH, March 11. Strong liostlity to the proposal of the Economy Commission to the effect that Main Highways Revenue Fund and Construction Fund are to be abolished and that ah Motor taxation should be paid, direct to the Consolidated F.und, was expressed to-day at the half yearly meeting of the South Island Motor Union, at which the North Island Associations was represented. It was stated that of the petrol tax of 8.4 pence per gallon, now imposed on motorists, 5.4 pence was proposed to be used to relie'y , e\ the Budgetary position.- ■ •*

In the course of a statement made to the meeting, it was declared that the- proposal involved a complete reversal of the principles, under which the motor taxation was imposed. The ’recommendations' of the Economy Commission means the political control of the Road Fund. The statement then rev’ews the special taxes imposed on motorists.

The present petrol tax in New Zealand was the highest n the world. Of a total of 8.4 pence per gallon, 5.4 pence was to be used to relieve the Budgetary position, and this in a full year would amount to £1,500,000. It was held that the suggestion of the Commission for lowering the standard of the Highways was fraught with danger, as it would involve a considerable reconstruction of expenditure in time to come. ' v -