FUEL TAX ACT

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32522, 4 February 1971, Page 13

FUEL TAX ACT

Concern among farmers The executive committee of North Canterbury Federated Farmers yesterday passed a remit seeking exemption from the Local Bodies (Petroleum Tax) Act and a rebate where such fuels are used for agricultural purposes. The remit was put by the Ellesmere branch, but as no delegate from the branch was present it was at first moved that it be deferred to the next meeting. The senior vicepresident (Mr A. F. Wright), however, suggested that the remit be passed in theory so that it could be brought before the Dominion council in Wellington next week. From discussions he had with a number of individuals, Mr Wright said, he was convinced that local bodies did not realise at the commencement of the bill how far reaching it was—that petrol and diesel fuel used by farmers in their work was included. He was sure the remit would receive sympathetic support and that a good case could be made to the Government.

Mr A. L. Mulholland, of Darfield, said the bill contained a lot of anomalies. It appeared that the farming industry had been hit harder than any other industry. The industry had to make representation to the Government because of the inequalities in the act, said Mr Dunlop.