MOTORING INTERESTS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXI, Issue 3162, 11 May 1931, Page 3

MOTORING INTERESTS.

POLITICAL ENCROACHMENT. With a view to keeping a vigilant eye upon the manner in which the motorists' money is spent and watching generally the interests of those who are concerned with the maintenance and use of the roads, a big movement has been instituted to form a composite body embracing the transport and construction organisations, as well as everyone connected with the motoring trade throughout the Dominion. The recent political encroachment upon the affairs of the road users, particularly as reflected in the raids upon the Main Highways Fund and the possibility of further interference, is viewed with alarm by motorists and local bodies in all parts of New Zealand, while the suggestion that further taxation might be imposed on motor owners has added to this unrest.

The Prime Minister's frank desire to stretch the legislative arm in any direction where there is a possibility of extra revenue and his recent hints in the House that all sections of the people would be lucky if they escaped with the small measure of sacrifice indicated by the current economy measures have shown that no section of the community is entirely immune from attention.

Motorists generally, as well as local bodies, believe that the raids already made on the Highways Fund constitute sufficient sacrifice for the time being, and it is mainly to prevent further inroads on these moneys that a conference will be held in Wellington shortly, comprising the motor and transport organisations, local bodies, and representatives of all concerned with the use of the roads. The organisation so far is on the broadest lines, and is directed mainly towards the prevention of drastic State action affecting detrimentally the motoring public, but it has the sanction of the North and South Island Motor Unions and is" also backed by influential transport concerns, including the Master Carriers' Federation. Mr L. Ashcroft Edwards has been appointed secretary of this movement, one of the functions of which will be to watch closely the possibility of extra taxation, an indication of which will shortly be given by the Prime Minister. From importers to the smallest private owner motorists will be included, and local bodies which are concerned with the expenditure of highways moneys upon the construction and maintenance of roads will have special representation if desired.