The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1914. THE MOTOR BILL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 77, 22 July 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1914. THE MOTOR BILL.

The Government’s new Bill dealing with the registration and taxing oi : motor cars, is considered by motorists who have carefully gone into me matter to bo a good one from many points of view, though there are clauses which are open to criticism. Of course the first and principal point to bo considered is that the new taxation is intended for the upkeep and improvement of main arterial roads, a very 1 serious question throughout the North Island, as we in this district well know. But in fairness to the motorists, it is being contepded the Government should make some provision to put main roads in something like order for motorists to use, because the tax will be insufficient to put roads in their present state in order, though when once they are made fit for traffic the revenue derived under the new Act might he expected to help very largley in maintaining such roads. The suggestion > from some points of view will appeal to most people, but if the Government accept it. a very large sum oi money will require to ho found. The suggested abolition of local registration is generally favored hy earowners and drivers, but the proposed taxes are not considered to he equitable. With regard to speed limit, it has been suggested that New Zealand might cop - the English method, where latterly such limit has been abolished, and the onus i s thrown on the driver of the car to show that Ids speed is reasonable and safe under the conditions prevailing. This certainly is a reasonable way of dealing with the matter.