PEES FOR MOTOR TRUCKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18297, 13 January 1923, Page 11

PEES FOR MOTOR TRUCKS

PROTESTS BY THE' OWNERS.

CITY COUNCIL CEITCCISED

QUESTION OF DEPUTATION.

Tho position in regard to the recent increases in the City Council heavy traffic fees was further discussed last evening bj the newly-formed Association of Motortruck Owners. Mr. J., W. Lovell presided over an attendance of about 70 members. An opinion by Mr. E. G. Jellicoe, of Wellington, on the question of the validity of the by-law levying the increased fees, was read.

In connection with the letter sent to the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunsoa, asking for postponement of the date for paying motor-lorry fees until January 31, the secretary, Mr. F. Martin, said no reply had been received. He had, however, communicated with the town clerk, who informed him that a letter had been posted and the effect of it was that the Mayor could not see his way clear to receive a deputation. The ground of the refusal was that the council had already had one deputation and no good purpose could be served by receiving another. Tho by-law could not be' postponed. The chairman said the majority of tho carriers knew nothing of the by-law until tho night of the deputation to the Works Committee, so that they had little tinio to do anything in the matter. Why the Mayor should refuse to receive another deputation he failed to see. There was no intention of defying the council, but simply of obtaining justice. It was stated that the deputation was told the by-law would not be brought into force until such" time as tho Highways Bill was put through. A difference of lewt. m the weight of the same motor-lorry being recorded a: two weighbridges was mentioned. It was stated that this .might mean an owner having to pay, £10 more as license fee than he should have to pay. A member said there was no knowing where tho council would stop. It had increased the license fee from £3 to £6, and now to £12 and £15. What with the payment that would have to be made to tho Highways Board the motor-lorry owners would bo almost as heavily taxed as in London.

After hearing an address by Mr. T. N. Holmden, solicitor, it was decided to ask the City Council for postponement of the date of payment of the license-fees until tho association can obtain further legal advice.

A proposal to' join the Automobile Association was not seconded. The following officers were elected:— President, Mr. J. W. Loveil; vice presidents, Messrs. P. Rothery, F. G. Fish; secretary, Mr. P. Martin; treasurer, Mr. G. Turton; committee, Messrs. G. Rothery, P. Lupton, R. S. Tully, F. Williamson, C. D. Collyer, J. Rimmer, J. Carter, W. Dyer, T. Ross, F. Andrews. Mr. Holmden was appointed solicitor and Mr. Wilkinson auditor.