AGAINST JOYRIDERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1001, 18 June 1930, Page 9

AGAINST JOYRIDERS

FARMERS DISCUSS PETROL TAX REASONS FOR INCREASE From Our Own C'orren MOKEIXSVII.LE. Tinla\ The question of an increase in the petrol tax was discussed by the Morrinsville branch of the Farmers’ Union. Mr. P. Colbeck, a member of the Auckland Executive, gave reasons for the executive’s support of a proposal ; to increase the tax from 4d to Is a gallon and to use the proceeds to effect the derating of farm land. He recalled that 10 or more years ago country roads were used solely by farmers and it had been right that they should be rated for the maintenance of these roads. With the increase in motor traffic most of the country rates were being used for the upkeep of main highways, which were used more by joyriders than byfarmers. If motor transport had to pay for the cost of the roads the owners of lorries would increase their freights, and the railway’s would be able to compete with road transport. Certainly farmers would have to pay more for lorry transport, but nothing could be fairer than that they who used the roads should pay. I “The people we are up against are the joyriders,” said Mr. Colbeck. “I believe you can travel to Wellington for about 4s 6d tax.” It was ridiculous to be ablq to get the use of 400 miles of highway for 4s 6d. By increasing the petrol tax to Is, or Sd more than the present tax of 4d, they would wipe out the present county rates and have £250.000 over. This would also abolish the question of rates on native lands, and the present cost of collecting rates.

Mr. P. S. Philpott asked if the union had considered splitting the difference and making the tax, say, Sd and paying reduced tax. Mr. Colbeck said this would only spoil their chance of bringing about the derating of farm lands, as the effect would be that farmers would pay the extra petrol tax and still pay the same rates. When the present tax of 4d had been imposed they had been told that rates would be reduced, but instead the rates had been increased. No doubt the Automobile Association favoured a tax of Sd and a reduction of rates. The automobile interests would naturally oppose the proposal to increase the tax to Is.