THE PROPOSED MOTOR TAX.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9855, 24 July 1914, Page 4

THE PROPOSED MOTOR TAX.

In a recent issue we questioned the wiadom of the proposed tax on motor vehicles, and advised that due consideration should be given to it before the proposal became law. A somewhat similar view is taken by the Auckland Herald. That journal, in deaiing editorially with the question, f>ays:—"Within recent years the moto.r has become prominent in the realm of vehicular transit and transport, r A tid the movement shows no sign of decline. On the contrary, the motor i/j becoming increasingly popular because found to be exceedingly useful and relatively economical. The country gains by this, and will gain still T/iore as the industrial uses of the roadmotor become better understood and appreciated. What good reason, then, can there be for hampering the use of the motor by special taxation? There will doubtless be many cases in which the tax will not be felt as oppressive, as there would be many cases if a tax were levied upon windows or upon chimneys; but the argument that some can afford to pay any fine or levy or tax imposed upon them is a very indifferent reason for impositions in themselves illogical and unreasonable. Many owners of motors, and an increasingly large proportion of owners, are in no position to pay a special tax without feeling it very acutely. As we have pointed out, they contribute largely as a body to the national revenue, and it is utterly bad policy to penalise them for making use of the public roads in a manner that is advantageous to any progressive community." That the suggestion to impose the tax came from owners of motor vehicles is no reason why it should be adopted hastily and without careful consideration. As we have already indicated, those who have voluntarily offered to submit to a special tax in order to secure improved roads are to be commended for their proffered self-sacrifice; but there are other phases of the question which should be considered. Therefore, the Government having, by request, brought forward the proposals, would be well advised to postpone those relating to the tax to a future session.