NEW TAX ON PETROL

Evening Star, Issue 19722, 24 November 1927, Page 2

NEW TAX ON PETROL

QUESTION OF ALLOCATION MINISTERS' REPLIES r Mr J. H. Kirkwood, president of the Dunedin and Suburban Mastercarriers’ Association, has received replies from the. Prime Minister and the Hon. W. Downio Stewart with reference to the apportionment of the revenue from the new petrol tax. Tho Hon. J. G. Coates, in his telegram, states that the Government has no desire other than to apportion the tax in accordance with the requirements of every district. The principle of dividing New Zealand into two parts, even if done in past legislation, cannot he supported. If one tax and expenditure should bo divided by the islands, then others much less favorable. to tho South Island should also be divided. Mr Stewart’s message advised that lie hud telegraphed fully to MrAbseil on the subject. Yesterday tho following telegram was despatched by Mr Kirkwood to Mr Coates:—'“ Re petrol tax, your answer unsatisfactory to my association. • Go-* voriiment’.s lormcr high-handed action in taking for benefit of northern roads tavre lax which .should have been used for South island requirements nalurally leads us to tear similar • tieatinotit when you say Government's desire is to apportion petrol tax in accordance with requirements of every district,. Tho South Island needs every poimv of monov which bus been wrong , y allotted to North Island. Our Inghways are a, disgrace. Sly association lias lost faith in (promises, and supports douinml lor legislation us outlined by South .Island Motor Union. Mr Kirkwood telegraphed to JiU W . Downio Stewart as follows: Una telegram in answer to ours regarding allocation petrol tax received. Our association has no connection with Mi Ansell> and we consider ourselves snlliciently important to receive a. direct reply. Strongly urge- that South Island taxpayers’ interests bo adequately safeguarded.”