LOSS OF REBATE ON PETROL

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28302, 13 June 1957, Page 14

LOSS OF REBATE ON PETROL

Bulk Topdressers’ Claim

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 12.

A claim that topdressing contractors in the Auckland area alone are losing £7500 a year because they get no rebate on the petrol used in spreading fertiliser is made in a statement issued by the New Zealand Bulk Fertilisers’ Association. The association claims that from one-third to one-half of all petrol used by topdressing contractors is used on farmers’ paddocks, not on roads.

“Under the existing legislation no rebate is allowable on this petrol,” continues the statement, “and the National Roads Board has been collecting funds to which it is not entitled.” It is claimed that 137,000 gallons of petrol a year are used in the Auckland district alone on spreading fertiliser and lime on farmers’ paddocks. “This represents £7500 of rebate which is being withheld by the Roards Board.” says the statement. “Bulk spreading contractors are quite happy to pay road tax on the petrol used on the roads, but feel that they are being unjustly treated in comparison with the farmer. The matter has been discussed with the Minister of Transport and' his department, but so far the Minister has not agreed to alter the legislation to correct this anomaly.”