BELATED JUSTICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 March 1940, Page 6

BELATED JUSTICE

SOUGHT BY LOCAL BODIES ALLOCATION OF PETROL TAX. MR JORDAN'S CONTENTIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “Before 1l;is conference closes I hope that a deputation will be appointed lo wait on the Prime Minister regarding this; it’s time we got justice." said the president, Mr T. Jordan, at the annual conference in Wellington yesterday of the Municipal Association of New Zealand, referring to the association's efforts to secure what his presidential report described as "belated justice in respect of the allocation of motor taxation.”

The report stated that it had been admitted by the Minister of Transport and Public Works that the local bodies were not receiving their share, but it was said that the Minister of Finance was the stumbling block. He had seen the hitter also and he admitted the strength of the local bodies’ case, but so far nothing had been done. It was more than two years since the Minister of Finance showed him a file relating to transport which was for his consideration. but a fortnight ago the Minister said that iie had not been able to touch it yet.

"With all due respect. I suggest that our representations in this matter have nut received at his hands the consideration that their importance merits." stated Mr Jordan. “As I see the position, the Minister of Finance is concerned in motor taxation in so far only as it is used as a source of revenue for tile Consolidated Fund. That is, of course, strictly within his province. But once the share of the Consolidated Fund has been obtained it should not be difficult to divide the balance equitably among those entitled to share in it. We have the experience.] and facts of 12 years to assist us.”

Mr Jordan said he did not think the association had been treated with the consideration and the co-operation which, as the Minister of Internal Affairs stated in his opening address the previous night, was so important. .Personally, he regarded the Minister of Public Works as in charge of this mattoi, and ho had been shown by this Minister figures relating to petrol tax which were 50 per cent more than 12 years ago.

“This means over £l2OO to my borough. and is worth fighting for," said Mr Jordan.-

Referring to the liability of the Crown for local body rates, Mr Jordan said that some progress had been macle and it was hoped that the new arrangement would be available in time for (he new rating year. In this regard they had had the co-operation of the Minister of Finance; it had no! been shelved for three years.