OTAGO MOTOR CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 21715, 9 May 1934, Page 2

OTAGO MOTOR CLUB

PETROL TAX’S MISAPPROPRIATION HIGHWAYS BOARD SHOULD GET MONEY Protesting ■ against the . misappropriation of the money collected by the Government for petrol tax, last night’s general meeting of the Otago Motor Club decided to request the South Island Motor Union to use its best endeavours to ensure that in future the money is retained by the Main Highways Board and used for the purpose for which it is collected. During his presentation of a report on tho club’s activities for the past six months the president (Mr P. W. Breen) introduced the matter of the Government’s misappropriation of the petrol tax, saying that in the last two years half a million pounds had been taken from the moneys collected for the construction and maintenance of roads and put into the Consolidated Fund Out of the KRd tax ou every gallon of petrol entering New Zealand the Highways Board received only 2Jd. The petrol tax was a direct taxation for the purpose of road improvement, yet the Government, in addition to making its own use of that money, also received the Customs duty on cars, tyres, and accessories coming into the dominion. “ For the first two or three years after the Highways Board was established —that was about ten years ago—it worked satisfactorily, but now it is severely handicapped,” said Mr Breen. “ The position is that our roads are deteriorating so rapidly that unless something is done within a very short time ten times the present maintenance expense will be required for reconstruction. The petrol tax should be wholly retained by the Highways Boa rd. ’ DISGRACEFUL ROADS. In tho majority of cases roads in proximity to Dunedin were an absolute disgrace, Air Breen continued. The Highways Board recently took over from the Bruce County Council that section of the Main South road from the Henley Bridge to Milton. Already it was much improved. The same applied to the Main North road from the Kilmog to Palmerston. “ As far as the Kilmog is concerned it is an utter disgrace to whoever was responsible for tar-sealing it. The pavement has been undermined, and it is falling away in lumps, especially bn the last long section approaching the summit from the south, and also from the summit down to Merton. Repairs are useless—a sheer waste of the motorists’ money. The whole section of road requires digging up and relayDue to the representations of the Otago and Southland Motor Club's the road at M‘Nab —until recently a particular source of trouble to motorists during heavy rains—had received attention, and the rains of the past few days had proved that the work had been successful, said Mr Breen. A bad stretch of road, which, it was hoped would be improved in the near future, was that between Rakaia and Bankside. Representations by the Highways Board to the local counties had recently been unsuccessful, and until the road received attention motorists must suffer through its dangerous condition. Mr Breen again stressed the necessity of having the entire petrol tax retained by the Alain Highways Board, and Air W. Wright moved in accordance with the suggestion. Upon being seconded by Air T. Ross the motion was put to the meeting and carried unanimously. NEW REGISTRATIONS. The Chairman reported that by leaving with the secretary the required forms and payment members might obtain their new registration plates, as well as driving licenses, the day after making application at the chib, thereby saving themselves much inconvenient waiting. GENERAL. Complaints addressed to the Otago Expansion League were referred to the club regarding the state of the high road down the Otago Peninsula. As it was one of the main scenic roads the league was anxious to see it kept in good order. With that end in view the league proposed to make a tour of inspection over the road, and desired to be accompanied by the club’s executive. If after inspection the complaints were borne out, then immediate and combined representations should be made to the Peninsula County Council and the Alain Highways Board. —It was decided to accept the league’s invitation to inspect the high road. The Peninsula County Clerk pointed out that the council had recently carried out extensive improvements to the main road at Harrington Point by increasing the width at the parking area and erecting a solid rock wall at tlie outer edge of the widening. The improvements effected should prove to be a boon to motorists visiting Harrington Point, as the trouble and danger previously experienced in turning vehicles at that point would be greatly minimised. In view of the improvements the council solicited financial assistance toward the cost of the work.—Referred to the Hoads Committee for a report, Offering the northern portion of the recreation ground at Taieri Mouth as a motor camp, a letter from the secretary of the Taieri Mouth Domain Board stated that it should make, an ideal camping ground, havipg a good spring water supply close at hand, and also conveniences on the ground. The beach was near by. The land could be transferred to the club free of rental during the pleasure of tho Domain Board; hut ample notice could he given if at any future date the board wished to resume possession. As a consideration the board suggested that a donation should bo given by the club to the hoard’s funds. —Referred to the Camp Committee. A request for two reflector signs at Edie’s corner on the APNab junction highway was received from the Tuapeka County" Council.—Referred to the Road Signs Committee for approval. At the instance of Mr W. Harvey, who. it was reported, had the only telephone in the Cromwell Gorge, where many an accident occurred, it was decided to request the Highways Board to apply to the Post and Telegraph Department for a subsidy to allow Mr Harvey to keep an attendant always near the telephone, which was essential in the interests of motorists as well as for the mining camps in the vicinity. Eighteen new members were elected, After the meeting an address on the Haast Pass road, illustrated by lantern slides, was given by Mr J, Robertson.