TAX ON MOTOR TYRES.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 18, 6 March 1917, Page 5

TAX ON MOTOR TYRES.

A COUNTY COUNCIL SUGGESTION.

The Christchurch City Council at its recent meeting received a circular letter from the Mackenzie County Oounoil, stating that the following resolution had been passed by it, and asking for the City Council's co operation in its favour: “ That the Government be asked to impose a Customs duty of not less than 10 per cent ad valorum on motor tyres, the money so collected to be refunded to local bodies for the "upkeep of roads, on the basis of capital value or such m inn’r as the Government miy deem equitable ”

The Maekeuzu Council was of opinion that the time had come for a tax on motor vehicles, and that the form of tax pmposed would have the following advantages ; (1) That it would be collected by the present Customs staff, at no additional expense, A tax on motor vehicles would r< quire an army of inspectors, the cost of which would leave little or no net revenue. (2) That it would be a fair tax, as those using the roads most would have to pay the greatest amount of tax. Similarly those travelling at excessive speeds and causing great damage to the roads would be penalised in a like manner, and it is well known that high speeds reduced the life of the tyres more rapidly. (3) That it was claimed by BrHah manufacturers tbit their tyres were the best. A tax imposed would tend to the ure of such tyres. “It is unnecessary," said the letter, “to enlarge on the question of the damage done to roads by motor traffic. It is too well-known by all local bodies who have this f >rm of traffic to deal with, and the principle that some form of taxation is needed has been affirmed for some years,” The matter was r ferred to the Bylaws Committee for report. A Councillor, in seconding the mo» tion, deplored the importation of American oars, and said that if the matter were ventilated in the proper sphere it might p oduce good results.