PROMISE TO BE KEPT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 191, 2 November 1927, Page 13

PROMISE TO BE KEPT

MINISTER AND MOTORISTS The opinion that the combined motorists will have an opportunity to present their views on the amount o£ the tax and the spending: of it, is held by Mr. M. H. Wynyard, motorists' representative on the Main Highways Board. He stated this morning; “The question of the possibility of further taxation was considered by a conference of representatives of the North island and South Island Motor Unions about two months ago, and a promise was then given by the Government that, before any legislation was passed, full opportunity would be given to the union and other parties concerned to discuss the proposals and place their views before tlio Minister. “Though it might appear that the resolution of Parliament in favour of a tom-pence tax on petrol might be construed as legislation, it is the usual form adopted to impose a Customs duty with short notice, in order to prevent large deliveries from bond before the tax materialises. • The Minister promised, in his reply to Parliament, that full opportunity to discuss the proposal by parties interested would be given, but it must not be delayed, and he is bringing down a Bill to carry the proposals outlined by him into effect. ■I assume that if the representations are such as to induce a reduction in the tax, Parliament would be asked to pass a fresh resolution reducing the tax. “A telegram received by me from the North Island Motor Union indicates that the Prime Minister confirms the above promise, and that on receipt of the Bill the whole matter will be considered by the two unions.”