BENZINE FOR FARMING.

Shannon News, 25 November 1927, Page 4

BENZINE FOR FARMING.

SHOULD IT BE TAX FREE- . The executive of the Dairy Farmers’ Union spent part of its time on Friday discussing the proposed petrol tax. The subject was introduced by the, Rangiotu branch, which considered that benzine for farming. purposes should be tax free. The chairman (Mr. IST. Campbell) said that the Government ought to be congratulated upon the tax provided the money was used to produce better highways. The motorsits would then be paying for the roads and relieving the ratepayers of a considerable portion of that burden. Mr. W. J. Gilbert described the proposal as a good scheme to help make the railways pay. Mr. P. J. Small described the petrol tax as justifiable but the tyre tax and the car and lorry tax should be done away with. There were far too many motor regulations to his mind. All: the taxes eventually came out of the producers’ pocket. The meeting decided to ask exemption for benzine used on farms and that the car and lorry taxes be withdrawn in view of the tyre and petrol taxes.

MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL’S APPROVAL. At the last meeting of the Manawfttu County Council; the chairman (Mr. W. E. Barber), commented favourably on the petrol tax and moved: “’That a letter of congratulation be forwarded to the Prime Minister for his action in bringing forward the benzine tax which the Council is ,of opinion will be of great benefit to Jihe Dominion generally.” 1 j Cr. J. H.gPerrett seconded the motion and was satisfied that the tax should operate right away. He agreed that with such taxation the burden would fall on the County ratepayers who" at present were to stand any increase in rates. As far as the ordinary motorist was concerned the- tax would affect him to the extent of about £5 per annum so that he was not being asked to pay heavily. for good roads.

Cr. J. Boyce favoured the proposal but disliked. the exemption provisions which he felt were open to abuse. The chairman did not agree 1 that there was any such danger' as the tax was collected through the customs and consumers paid the full amount. Those entitled to exemption claimed the rebate.

Cr. D. W. Reid considered that the tax would pay the County handsomely.

The resolution was carried unanimously.