EXCISE DUTY

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1933, Page 5

EXCISE DUTY

ON MOTOR SPIRIT. ’ (Per Press Association, Copyright). ! WELLINGTON, September 28. An assurance-that the Government would, not . usev its power-tf>-impose an excise duty of' $d per gallon 0 n the motor spirit nianufa’btUrecT 'in 'New 'Zealand for the next-five-years, was sought by a- deputation representing tile Goal, Distillation and By-Products (N.Z.)‘ Lid., . which' 'waited, '.on tlje Prime Minister and members of Cabinet to-day. ‘ . . ’. The Prime Minister promised-'-• the Cabinet’s consideration - of ■ ' the-v mat- ~ ter,' but he pointed out that tho . do, velopmeut: of m ’industry' might mean a reduction ju the importation, of motor spirit,' and, .therefore, a reduction in the" State’s revenue. The Leader of L.the. Opposition, Mr H. E. Holland, who accompanied the deputation, said the company proposed to establish high, temperature distillations works, ht. Greymouth and ’ low temperature carbonisation works In the Buffer area.. He, himself, would have preferred such an industry to be developed by the State, but, since the State hod shown no inclination to act, a private company should bo given every encouragement. It means tbe salvation of the coal industry. Air J. O’Brien, TVI.P., mentioned that the development would be a ve,ry important one for the West Coast. The company, ,he said, had .a capital cf £600,000 ready in London, provided that the Government undertook n o t t° impose a, duty for the period of five years.