PETROL TAX

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1927, Page 1

PETROL TAX

BUS OWNERS’ VIEW

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. “ As far as we can see,” said .Mr Hare, of the Ilutt Combined Jlus Service, when approached on the suhject of the petrol tax, “ it is a slap against railway competition. 1 understand that tlie Government is holding a meeting to-day to decide whether they will buy us out or run buses in opposition. This tax is probably an attempt to make us bring our price down. Although personally I prefer the tyre tax, the petrol tax in itself is quite all right, so long as it is not excessive. No om could object to the tax of a penny oi even twopence a gallon, hut when it comes to fourpenee, it is too heavy altogether. It is without doubt a move on tho part of the Government to kil not only our services, hut all those in competition with the railways.” CARRIERS DISSATISFIED. WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. In regard to the petrol tax, Air 1! M. Griffiths, vice-president of the N.Z. Master Carriers’ Association, stated today that the master carriers of the Do million whole-heartedly approved of the principle of a petrol tax as the only means of imposing road taxation, hu the owners of heavy motor vehicles op posed the Government’s proposal t impose a petrol tax as an additional form of taxation, rather than as a substitute for the existing tyre tax and heavy traffic fees. Local hits proprietors regard the petrol tax as an endeavour on the part of the Government to kill motor competition with the railways. The Wellington .Motor Club expected a tax of 3d and do not lavour the -Id a gallon.

FURTHER PROTESTS

CHRISTCHURCH. Nov. 2. South Island Motor Union last evening resolutioned: "That the decision to impose a tax having been come to by Parliament, we now urge that there be an amendment to the resolution to tax petrol at Id a gallon and that a tax of 2d he substituted with no exemption.” " That in view ot the extra taxation the Union demand an extra seat on the Alain Highways Board tor a representative nominated by the South Island .Motor Union.”

A!ANUFACTURERS’ PROTEST

DUNEDIN. Noy. 2

At a meeting of the Alauufacturors’ Association, a resolution was passed urging upon the Government the iniquity of compelling owners of commercial vehicles in cities to pay tax for the upkeep of roads they never use. and suggesting an extension of the exemption to them.