Motor Union Calls For “Class Tax” Abolition

Press, Volume C, Issue 29621, 18 September 1961, Page 12

Motor Union Calls For “Class Tax” Abolition

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, September 17. The North Island Motor Union wants the “class tax” on motorists for general purposes ended, especially the remaining 2d a gallon petrol tax and the additional 13 1-3 per cent, sales tax on motor vehicles.

The annual conference of the N.I.M.U. at Wairakei on Saturday decided to ask the South Island Motor Union to join in further representations to the Minister of Finance (Mr Lake).

He will be assured of the willingness of motorists to share equitably with the rest of the community the burden of restoring the country's finances to a sound position. However, motorists objected to being singled out for “unjust treatment” merely because they constituted an easy target for the tax collector. Speedometer Readings A remit calling for speedometer readings to be shown on motor vehicle registration certificates and ■ for change-of-ownership forms to give “a truer history” of vehicles was passed. Mr Forsyth told the conference he could see practical difficulties in this move —it would not ensure the reliability of the record and there could be misuse. Also relicensing was often done by agents, accountants, solicitors, and many big firms which relicensed their vehicles from headquarters would be inconvenienced The registrar was at present trying to simplify the procedure. With regard to compulsory insurance cover for passengers—a Taranaki remit —Mr Forsyth said there was too much difference of opinion. It was opposed by insurers, the S.I.M.U. and other organisations. The union and users must expect increases in premiums while claims increased. Taranaki later withdrew its insurance remit.

To a Wanganui remit asking that the Transport Department be requested to find some method whereby the promiscuous purchase of car keys be prevented and that only bona fide owners of cars or their authorised representatives be enabled to do

so, Mr Forsyth said: "I can’t see anything worthwhile in the suggestion. Most conversions arise from leaving cars unlocked. Even without a key it is easy to enter and start a car. Short of prohibition of key sales, except by production of an authority—this would amount to irksome regimentation it seems that little can be done.” Wanganui withdrew its remit. Permanent Plates The Commissioner said it was hoped to have permanent plates within five years. They would be introduced in stages —trailers first, then motorcycles. then E plates, light and heavy trucks and finally cars. Letters and numerals would be used and there would be a two-letter, fourfigure combination such as AJ1961.

Reflectorisation of plates had not been decided yet. said Mr Forsyth. Between £250,000 and £500.000 could be involved for a million pairs of plates. The considerable cost involved would mean spending overseas funds. “Personally, I feel reflectorisation of plates is not justified, on account of the cost.” he said. “However, I think I can promise the union some satisfaction on one of its representations.” said Mr Forsyth “The Minister has now agreed to the extension of third party benefit to those close relatives hitherto barred.” The conference passed a remit urging the Government to continue to scrutinise all cases where the New Zealand production of car components was protected by tariffs or import restrictions.