PLAN OF ACTION

Southland Times, Issue 22766, 17 December 1935, Page 6

PLAN OF ACTION

TRANSPORT PROBLEM. DOMINION CONFERENCE TO BE CALLED. (Per United Press Association.) Hastings, December 16. A statement declaring that early in the new year the Government is to call a Dominion conference to discuss and to try to solve problems concerning transport by sea, land and air, was made by the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Transport, in reply to a deputation that waited upon him in Napier this morning. The deputation’s request to the Minister was that the Government should amend the regulations governing the allocation of heavy traffic fees, and in answering Mr F. B. Logan, Chairman of the County Council, Mr Semple took occasion to declare that the Government intended to put in hand a long range transport co-ordination and development scheme and to see that the fund from the petrol tax was used for the purpose for which it was created, and for that purpose alone. As everyone knew, said the Minister, the highways fund and development of transport and highways had been arrested. The Government would set up a fund so that it would plan road development ahead, and there was the point of view that men employed under such conditions would work better and ffe happier, knowing they had regular work for a period of years. “We want to plan ahead,” said Mr Semple, “and to know we have the funds with which to do so.” New Zealand had the highest petrol tax in the world, but was getting nothing from it. The tax was a legitimate tax so long as it was used for road development and maintenance, but it was not right that it should be used for general purposes.” Reverting to the Government’s plan for long range development, Mr Semple said the Government wanted to be able to plan for at least five or ten years ahead, and not piecemeal. It was not desired to do anything to conflict with the interests of any section of the community, but to bring about coordination of all interests and opinions.