MAIN ROADS SCHEME.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 194, 17 August 1922, Page 8

MAIN ROADS SCHEME.

PROPOSED BILL DISCUSSED. SPECIAL A.A.A. MEETING. A special meeting of the committee of the Auckland Automobile Association was held last evening to consider the proposed flat rate tax on motor vehicles foreshadowed in the Main Highways Bill, Mr- W. Coltman presiding. Mr. M. H, Wynyard, who was a dolegate of the association to the Main Road] Conference called by the Hon. J. <!•' Coatcs in June, when the matter of additiorail taxation and funds for the purpose was considered in committee, moved, "That this association approves the statement by the New Zealand Automobile Union agreeing to an annual license or registration fee not exceeding £2 per oar, flat rate. The. speaker said the Minister had said that the ordinary tyre tax was insufficient to cover the cost of the proposed loading scheme, and extra taxation upon motorists was imperative. Motorists and the trade had disapproved of a £o flat rate suggested by the Motor Vehicles Act of last year, "it was felt to be an unreasonable amount, because the tyre tax "was considered to be a fairer proposition. Tho tariff was since revised, some duties being increased and new ones introduced. On the representation of motorists the money collected from tyre tax was placed to the credit of a Slain Roads Account, which was accumulating. The Minister of Internal Affairs could not regard the tyre tax to lie an exclusive tax against motorists for this purpose, which he said would have to be brought in for general taxation increase. 'Pie New Zealand Automobile I'nion decided to assist and induce main road reform by agreeing to tho flat rate of tl. Ho felt that this association should support this as being representative of the "opinion of all the automobile associations. The speaker said ho recognised tho need of some special taxation. The public might overlook that a car was taxed through tyre tax. Tho improvement of the arterial rrads would be an important matter, inducing larger traffic to and from the cities. The LI flat rate would be as low as the Minister could go on hi< own figures. Tho proposal meant that motorists would contribute towards the main roads scheme and the Government would bear half the cost out of other taxation, so the motorist would not bear the whole burden. Mr. I?. B. Spinks formally seconded the motion. Mr. H. C. .Tones complimented Mr. Wynyard on the work he had put in for •he main roads movement, but, said he felt that motorists opposed the flat tax as one that might lead to a tax of £4 to £5, as originally proposed. If, as suggested, the £150.000 was not sufficient for the Minister, they would soon find an increase imposed, apart from the cost of collection. He would move disapproval of the principle of the flat tax. He did not quite see why motorists should pay towards main roads, which would Ikof particular benefit to settlers affected. Mr. (i. M. White seconded the amendment. After some general discussion on the subject, in which Messrs. Henning, King and others spoke generally in favour of the motion, Mr. Wynyard replied stating that the object of this review of the matter was to get the feeling of the Association, so that the Automobile L'nion could make further representations and bring evidence forward before the special committee of the TTouso before die bill was finally introduced. The flat tax could not be applied to ordinary vehicles, because they were already taxed for their limited field, outside of which they rarely went. The motion was carried, with four dissentients.