HIGHER MOTOR TAXATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20628, 29 July 1930, Page 10

HIGHER MOTOR TAXATION.

PROTEST BY MOTORISTS. "NON-ECONOMIC AND UNJUST." [BY TELEGEAI'H. —FItESS ASSOCIATION.] NAPIER, Monday. A meeting of the Hawke's Bay Automobile Association was held to-day to discuss the increased petrol tax. The general opinion was that the Government should effect economics in expenditure instead of imposing additional taxation. A resolution was carried expressing the opinion that the proposed taxation was nun-economic and unjust, and that the Government should take steps to effect economies in road construction and thus help the country to recover from its pu'sent unfavourable position. The meeting suggested a reduction of the programme of the Main Highways Board for the year.

OPINION AT WANGANUI.

REDUCED IMPORTATION LIKELY.

[BY TELEGRAM.- —PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] Vv'AXGAXUI, Monday. Wanganui motorists at a meeting this evening passed a resolution strongly pre testing against further taxation as contained in the increased petrol duty. It was the opinion of those present that such an increase would reduce importation and so the customs would secure les* revenue.

SUPPORT FROM RAILWAYMEN. OBLIGATIONS ON MOTORISTS. [by TELEGUAPII.—I'RESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Monday. Members of Hie Tlioriulon braucli of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants carried a motion supporting tho proposal to increase the tax on petrol, as at present a special and costly type of road is being constructed for tho sole benefit of motor vehicles. Members were of the opinion that much of the present chaotic state of transport affairs was due to (he fact that in the past motorists had been allowed to escape from their just obligations.

OBJECTIONS TO PROPOSALS. NO BENEFIT TO MAIN ROADS. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] DUNEDIN, Monday, r u a statement to-dav, Mr. A. E Ansell, Reform M.P. for Chalmers, said he was optimistic that the Prime Minister's petrol tax proposal would be defeated in the House, although he could not answer the question whether the Reform and Labour Parties had decided on any course of action. One of the most objectionable features of the proposal was that main and secondary highways would not benefit at all. It was evident that the taxation was devised to assist the Consolidated Fund and that the grants to back-block roads would also be used for that fund through assisting the unemployed The suggestion tha* the railways would benefit lit merely described at a very clumsy melhoa of assisting them. The strongest possible protest would be made.