TAXATION ON MOTORS

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1934, Page 6

TAXATION ON MOTORS

VIEWS OF COUNTY COUNCILS.

STRATFORD’S IDEAS SUMMARISED.

To the suggestion that county councils should summarise their views on the various aspects of motor taxation for the information of the Transport Co-ordina-tion Board the Stratford council responded-, on Saturday, the chief point of the discussion being the question of heavy traffic fees on farmers’ lorries used for carting produce. . . The New Zealand Counties’ Association advised that the Transport Co-ordination Board intended to conduct an investigation into motor taxation and arrangements would be made to receive represenatives at a series of meetings in October. The main phases to be covered by the ■ investigation were heavy traffic license fees, petrol tax, tyre tax, drivers licenses, annual licenses, customs duties on imported cars and parts. The council's views were sought so that a synopsis containing the views of all county councils might be prepared. It seemed, said Cr. S. Pitt, that some Taranaki local bodies were not collecting the fees on farmers’ trucks and he thought it would be better if the Tara- ' naki councils could reach a unanimous agreement on the matter. “I think they all want exemptions,” remarked the clerk (Mr. C. J. Campbell). “It appears that heavy'traffic .fees will go,” the chairman, Mr. T. R. Anderson, stated. \ He had heard that in the near future the Transport Board would collect the fees, Mr. Campbell said. There was a proposal that the fees be based on mileage, the chairman said. In that case the farmer would pay about a quarter of the amount paid by the carrier. The Farmers’ Union had to remember that if the fees were abolished farmers might have to find their proportion in rates, Cr. Pitt pointed out. The Farmers’ Union had that aspect in view, Cr. T. T. Murray remarked. Given derating of farm lands, the farmer would not object so much. “Why tax in so many ways?” said Cr. E. H. Hancock. “Let us have one tax, say on petrol, and then we will know where we are.” “We have paid to build and maintain ■ the roads so why should we have to pay to run on them?” Cr. Murray asked. The council agreed that it was opposed to the diversion of the proceeds of the petrol tax but was not particularly opposed to the tyre tax. The annual license was not objected to. A sub-committee was authorised to assimilate the council’s views and forward them as requested. PERSONAL ITEMS. Mr. M. S. Carrie, Eltham, is spending a few days at the military training camp, Trentham. Mr. D. teatham, Eltham, is spending a holiday at Christchurch. The Stratford County Council expressed sympathy on Saturday with Cr. W. H. Were in the loss of his brother. ELTHAM PROGRESS COMMITTEE. LOYALTY TO THE TOWN STRESSED. TJhe Eltham nightwatchman, Mr. H. J. Drabble, reported to the Eltham Progress Committee on Friday that fully 100 matters had been communicated to property owners during June and July. • The principal causes of the- notifications were doors, windows or storerooms left open or parcels of goods left outside shops. The chairman, Mr. I. J. Bridger, complimented the nightwatchman and Mr. C. N. Taplin endorsed the remarks, saying it proved the necessity of having a nightwatchman. The financial report showed a credit balance of £2, collection for Christmas treat £36 Os *4d, total receipts £3B Os 4d. Expenditure was: Toys £36, ferns £6 sun- - dries £3 Is 3d, total £45 Is 3d. This left a debit balance of £6 19s Bd, but as certain contributions were due it was estimated the deficiency would be a deficiency of £3 19s 4d. Toys to the value of £2 10s were on hand from last Christmas. It was decided to consider the question of financing the children's Christmas gifts at the annual meeting. - The chairman referred to the necessity of creating loyalty to the town among the residents of the district. Eltham was a splendid trading centre and there was no occasion to go outside for any requirements. It was to the interest of ratepayers to see the town prosper. Other members endorsed the chairman’s views and suggested that some combined effort should be made to create a greater spirit of loyalty to the town. WEEK-END UNDER CANVAS. STRATFORD SCOUTS CAMP OUT. An enjoyable and healthy week-end under canvas was spent by boys of the Stratford Scout Troop when, under Scoutmaster M. Thompson, they camped over Saturday night in a sheltered spot on the banks of the Patea River about two miles east of Stratford. The boys assembled oh Saturday afternoon to pitch their tent, prepare fireplaces, washing stands, and the hundred and one appliances which scouts do prepare when spending a night in the open. Through the courtesy of Mr. C. D. Martin, on whose property the camp was located, they had the use of ample supplies of sweet hay for bedding, and were able to arrange snug sleeping quarters before nightfall. Twelve boys slept out, and more joined the troop on Sunday morning to participate in the activities of the day. Although rather inaccessible to vehicles, the site for the camp was ideally chosen, being on a terrace of the river bank sheltered above by a bank and on the other three sides by native bush. It was a band of tired but happy boys who trekked homeward when the shades of evening began to lengthen last night. Fortunately the weather was fine and warm throughout the two days. PLAZA THEATRE. “FRA DIAVOLO.” The whole family will enjoy Laurel and Hardy’s latest feature length comedy, “Fra Diavolo,” which was screened to capacity houses on Saturday, at the Plaza Theatre, for it is a picture which bears not only the stamp of individual inimitable humour which these two are noted for, but which has been supplied with a highly colourful musical background. The picture is also benefited by an excellent supporting cast, which features the well known stage star, Dennis King, who sings a number of rollicking ballads and proves himself equally expert at dramatic work in the dual role of Diavolo and the Marquis of San Marco. Thelma Todd is an engaging lady Pamela. ,