LICENSING OF MOTORS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19871, 15 February 1928, Page 10

LICENSING OF MOTORS.

Owners of motor-vehicles of all classes are this year being compelled to pay increased fees for the annual licences. The licensing period is being altered to end on May 31, instead of March 31, and the adjustment is being effected by adding one-sixth to the tax. On the face of it, this is another illustration of the constant subordination of public interests to the convenience of administrative departments. The financial year ends on March 31, and when this annual taxation was introduced it was naturally arranged that it should synchronise with the financial year. But this arrangement has been disturbed,, obviously only to suit the convenience of the department, concerned, without any consideration whether it suits the public to pay taxes in April or in February or whether it is inconvenient to produce the additional fee demanded. It is not suggested that the department responsible has exceeded its legal powers in enforcing this temporary increase of taxation. The author of the scheme was careful to secure an amendment of the Motor Vehicles Act last session authorising the extension of the licensing period. The proceeding merely strengthens the grounds for objection against the manner in which Parliament and the public are forced to yield to the dictation of departmental officials. Parliament submits to a steady encroachment upon its powers, by allowing departments charged with administration to initiate changes in the law and the departments that are the servants of the public usurp the role of its masters. An important principle is involved, and if Ministers do not recognise that fact, or ignore the disapproval with which such proceedings are regarded, they, may find that their neglect to restrain their officials from acts that continually renew the exasperation of the public will produce serious reactions at election time, ;