MORE CRITICISM

Southland Times, Issue 19458, 24 January 1925, Page 7

MORE CRITICISM

OF MOTOR VEHICLES BILL. EFFECT UPON FARMERS. HEAVIER TYRE TAX FAVOURED. Further criticism of the provisions of the New Motor Vehicles Bill was forthcoming yesterday, when the Southland Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union had their attention drawn to it by Mr H. E. Bacon. Mr Bacon said that the drivers of motorcars under the new Act wore compelled to renew their 5/- license yearly. The annual renewals of licenses were going to cause a lot of trouble, and in his opinion the Government had been too narrow-minded in the matter. Over £40,000,000 had been spent on the railways, and it would be foolishness to spend another £40,000,000 on the roads. A lot of traffic that should be on the railways was cutting the roads to pieces. The Highways Board was at present having a scramble, and the policy was not a good one. If the Farmers’ Union could use their power in getting the railways on a satisfactory footing, the Union could do much towards cutting out a motor service that was proving so expensive to the community. The Government might be persuaded to hold the Motor Vehicles Bill in abeyance until the railways were re-organ-ised. Mr J. D. Troter said that the motor vehicle had come to stay, and the annual tax was going to make the roads better for those who were forced to pay it. The registration of drivers was a most important thing. Mr R. Byars said that the Union should protest against the system of taxation to be levied and submit that the Government should levy a tyre tax. Mr Bacon moved: “That the Union protest strongly against the Motor Vehicles Act, as it affected farmers adversely, as they are paying rates for the upkeep of the roads, and are now called on to pay the additional tax. The annual renewals will be very irritating and quite unnecessary. If further revenue is required, the Union would be quite in favour of an increase in the tyre tax.” Mr Byars seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The meeting then closed owing to the members being forced to retire owing to the hour.