FEAR OF TAXATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 87, 14 April 1931, Page 9

FEAR OF TAXATION.

MOTORISTS ALARMED. SEARCH FOR REVENUE. FEDERATION SUGGESTED. Automobile associations throughout the country are agitated at the thought •that the Prime Minister will draw upon the resources of the motoring public, either in direct levy or the adjustment of moneys from the highways fund, in his search for more revenue. No comment will be made on the matter by members of the Auckland Automobile Association because, they say, it is a matter which is being handled by the North Island Motor Union. Strong opposition is being made by the automobile associations to the suggestion of an imposition of any further taxation on motorists. It fe contended that the present taxation is sufficient to afford ample relief if administered according to the Highways Act. It is thought that if the original conception upon which the Main Highways Board's finances were planned had been followed in the last two years, there would not have been any need to raise the qtie6tion. ~, ■ In Auckland ,ahd in southern centres motorists have become so alarmed that a special conference is to be held shortly in Wellington to discuss the question. It is hoped to prevent more taxation being placed oil motorists generally. Whether interested privately or in the motoring trade, motor owners agree that further taxation should be strenuously fought, but they are not unanimous on the question as to how action should be taken to watch satisfactorily their own rntcirests and at the same time safeguard the interests of those who are concerned in construction and road maintenance. The promoters of the movement propose that a motor-users* federation shduld be formed. They suggest that this body should embrace the, wholesale and retail branches of the trade, private owners as represented through the North and South Island Motor Unions, and the transport section as represented by the Master Carriers and the Motor Ortmibus Association. Jt is claimed th*t anything that is a burden to the ufcer is a detru merit to the trader, the main .principle underlying the formation of the suggested federation is the c6risiderati6h of questions which affect the common interest only. In the federation no sectional influeriee is to be exercised. It is realised that the whole question of transport must shortly be considered in the light of recent developments in New Zealand. It is hoped that the federation, if formed, will become the pplitiial Watchdog 1 6f the motorists. It is feared that the welfare Of motorists Will be subordinated to that of the railways, tramways and local bodies. It is indicated by the history of motor taxation in the Dominion that motorists may expect increased taxation rather than relief; and some of them are inclined to regard all other interests as hostile to the general advancement of the cause of the motorists.

There is a strong opinion among the various motor organjs&tions in both islands that ahy comprehensive movement shall be organised in co-operation with the local bodies, particularly in view of the possibility qf further interference with thfe. Main Highways funds. In view of the fact that the, Highways Board, representing £60,0001000 sunk "in NeW Zealand roads, is seeking financial assistance for extension arid maintenance,, it is thought thai the motor user will be further taxed. So far it has not been definitely decided when the conference will be held. Representatives from invited associations have been chosen. It is thought that local bodies should be asked to co-operate so that the federation should become one for road-makers and roadusers in the widest sense.