SHARE OF THE PETROL TAX

Taranaki Daily News, 9 August 1930, Page 9

SHARE OF THE PETROL TAX

MUNICIPALITIES’ COMPLAINT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night, The executive of the Municipal Association at a meeting in Wellington to-day discussed the question of standardisation of local body supplies and purchases, not only in the interests of economy but also to encourage local industry in the manufacture of much of the material used in engineering, plumbing work, etc. It was decided that the engineers of the eight cities and Masterton and Timaru be asked to meet in Wellington at an early date to go into the whole question of standardisation. One of the main questions discussed was increased patrol tax, the executive being very greatly concerned that no allowance is being made for boroughs and cities to participate in the increase of 3d per gallon. It was contended that the 8 per cent, which was allowed cities and boroughs under the old petrol tax was ridiculously small in view of the fact that over 90 per cent, of the tax was collected in cities and boroughs. That- they should receive no share whatever of the additional tax, the greater part of which would still be collected from cities and boroughs, was manifestly unfair. The hope was expressed that the Government would give reconsideration to the whole matter.