CAR TAXES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 223, 20 September 1938, Page 18

CAR TAXES.

EFFORTS TO REDUCE.

MOTOR UNION'S VIEWS. SOUTH ISLAND MKKTIXG. Motor taxation, penalties for wrongful conversion ~f cars, the control of cyclists and pedeetriHlf, and alw»<>hite liitUility against motm i-tn are among the subject* fli«cii"i"'(''l in the nnnual H'jioit of the South Island Motor Cnion. to lit* pi c-eiitcd ni the annual meeting in Chri-tchiich on Sejiti'inlier -■>. The union Hindi , ptrunj: reprecM-utn-r i< his t.i the (•ii\erninent during liie year for a reduction in motor taxation, iiccording to the /■•port, lint >V requests ui'i'r not coii-idfied favourably by til" , Miui-ter of Finance, tin , Hon. \V. Nash. The Minister's rcplv was to the effect tliiit lM>i-Hili>r of the < r'o\ eminent * heavj r-<>)lliiiit incuts no reduction cniihl lie ijiiiiitvii tlii- year. •Die executive considers that further •Ifoits slioiihl lie cniilined to seeking a reduction in tin- petrol tax.'" the report -a> ■». "and pu 11 i ulail y the emergency lax of 4ill a giilloii which was imposed .lining tin- depression mid which is still 'levoteil to tin* jjeiiernl revenue of the I in eminent. ' Delegates to tlie annual conference v\ ill he asked to consider the suggestion iluit. failing the removal of the 4Jd inergellcy tax. representations Ik> made to have the whole of tiie proceeds derived from petrol taxation devoted to the roads, thus freeing the M ! sr':wiiy« lion til from the necessity of lm.-,.i u snhstantial amounts to inect t ■ expenses of const ruction hint iiiahi.cii a nee of highways. ,. Dealing with the wrongful conversion of earn, the report says that some time ago the motor unions were largely responsible in having power granted to increase the penalty for this offence. It jtoee on to say that, judging by the frequency with which the offence is etill committed, it would appear that magistrates are not taking »<Jvantago of the power bestowed on CTiem to inflict

heavier penalties. It is proposed to aek automobile associations to start an agitation to bring the position more effectively before fbe public and the maaistrates. Thin matter aUo will be considered at the nnnunl conference. Cycliati aad Pedestrian*. *We feel justified in expressing our disappointment nt the inefficient control on our highways of cyclists nn<l pedestrian*," the report continues. "Whilst motorists are subject to strict compliance with the regulations, cyclists and pedestrian* are permitted to transgress to a' Very large degree. "Because of the numerous accidents in which th«-y are being involved, we have made representation* to the Transport. Department for closer co-operation betwe** traffic officers and the police, with a view to securing better observance, 'particularly in city streets, of the regulations governing these two classes of road users. "We have been assured the Minteter

of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, is taking this matter up with the Minister in charge of the police, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason." ' Discussing the proposal of the Minister of Justice, the Hon. H. 0. R. MtMOfi, to introduce a bill eliminating entirely the question of negligence by s> motorist a* a basin in the assessment of damages' in motor accidents, the report Mys that, in the opinion of the executive, the effect of the propositi would be to cant a stigma on the motori*t, as he would at all times be held responsible for the result of any accident, even though he might bo Maine leas..'. ...'....'..

"Representatives of both unions assembled at short- notice, and the grounds for our objections were eubmitted to the Minister. Every avenue which was considered likely to assist in stifling thU unjust proposal was explored and this entailed rciloli deep thought and earnest effort. Members can rent assured the executive will keep a vigilant watch for a reappearance of any attempt to place such a proposal on the Statute Book."