UNPOPULAR INCREASE

Hawera Star, Volume L, 26 July 1930, Page 9

UNPOPULAR INCREASE

HIGHER PETROL TAX DIFFICULTIES AHEAD LABOUR’S OPPOSITION. (By Telegraph-1 ress Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, July 26. Judging by opinions expressed by members "of Parliament who arrived from Wellington this morning, the Government is likely to find it extremely difficult to confirm the increase of 3d a gallon in the petrol tax.

A prominent member of the Labour Party stated that his party was unanimously opposed to the increase and would not hesitate to oppose- the Government in regard to the matter. The attitude of the Reform Party was expressed by a southern member who said that the Reform members were unanimous in their determination to do everything m their power to resist- the increase.

MOTORISTS’ CRITICISM

Y DESPERATE EFFORT

AUCKLAND, July 26

The Auckland Automobile Association is of the opinion that the increased petrol tax is not likely to help road-making to any great extent and can only he interpreted as a desperate effort to overcome shortages in the general revenue. Mr. Grayson, the association's president, said that country motorists were not likely to pay more in increased petrol tax than they would get back in the way of relief from rates. The association felt that its representations to the Prime Minister had not been given due: consideration, and it felt bound to stake the matter further. Owing to the higher petrol tax it is learned that the “bag-wash” companies of Auckland are considering raising their charges.