MAIN HIGHWAYS PROPOSAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18310, 29 July 1921, Page 5

MAIN HIGHWAYS PROPOSAL

CHRISTCHURCH OPINION

(From Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, July 28. The Government’s decision to take over the control of the main arterial highways will be favourably received by the majority of motoring inert, for this is an objective towards which the Canterbury Auto Association and the South Island Motor Union have been working for some time. Although the recommendations of the motor bodies have -not been strictly followed by the Government in its proposed now legislation, it is a step in the right direction. Mr Harman, secretary of the South Island Motor- Union, said to a Press representative that the proposed legislation was based on the union’s representations, although it differed in several matters of detail. In regard to providing the necessary money, for instance, the union recommended a tax on tyres, while the Minister proposed a wheel tax; that was, a flat rate tax on four, three, and two-wheeled vehicles. The proposal was not nearly so equitable as a tyre tax. which was favoured lay the conference of the South Island Union and New Zealand Automobile Union. In regard to the licensing of drivers, Mr Harman thought the Minister misconstrued the union’s recommendation. which was that an annual registration fee bo enforced" not so nil# to provide money, as to give iho authorities control over drivers. By this moans, reckless ami dangerous driving could be put down much move quickly and permanently than bv the infliction of fines, for after a driver had bad his ticket endorsed a given number of times, be could he suspended, and the danger to the community would be removed from (he mads.