WILL BE REASONABLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 725, 26 July 1929, Page 11

WILL BE REASONABLE

MINISTER ON PETROL TAX DEPUTATION FROM MOTORISTS (From Our Oicn Correspondent) PARLIAMENT BLDGS., Today. While refusing to divulge whether any alteration would be made in the allocation of the petrol tax this year, the Prime Minister hinted this morning to a deputation from motor organisations that the Government would be reasonable. The president of the North Island Motor Union, Mr. A. J. Toogood, said that the idea was current that the tax might be encroached upon in some way and used in another direction, apart from the making and upkeep of roads. “Could you give us an assurance whether that is to be so or not?” he asked Sir Joseph Ward. Sir Joseph Ward: I cannot give you any assurance about a matter which is in the Budget, but I will say that we will be reasonable. Asking that an assurance be given that there be no withdrawal, as suggested. of the £200,000 yearly grant payable from the Public Works Fund to the Main Highways Board, a deputation representing the motor organisations throughout New Zealand, also waited on Sir Joseph Ward today. Sir Joseph, in reply, said it was all very well to suggest that £200,000, if taken off, was nothing to tlie Government, but with the obligations in hand at present, it was a great deal. The Government was already supplying money for roads and was not prepared to extend the limit of its borrowing powers. He appreciated the position in which motorists found themselves, and he was not unfriendly toward correcting it, if lie. could. There were considerable difficulties before him. He could only promise that representations would be considered. If there was anything that could be done to meet their wishes he would do it.