POSITION CLARIFIED

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1935, Page 7

POSITION CLARIFIED

TOURIST CAR RESTRICTIONS, ADMITTANCE TO AUSTRALIA. The restrictions and conditions governing the admittance of New Zealand tourist cars to Australia was outlined by the Australian Trade Commissioner, Mr, R. H. Nesbit, in a letter received by the Automobile Association (Taranaki) at its meeting last night. A discussion with the Customs authorities had clarified the position, it was stated. Last year he had arranged for the Customs authorities to accept a bond in lieu of a cash deposit for the entry of tourist cars into the Commonwealth, wrote Mr. Nesbit. A? the bonds were mostly issued by banks, banking interests in New Zealand were closely interested in the position. Some automobile clubs in the Dominion had made reciprocal arrangements with similar organisations in Australia as regards the issue of bonds to members. The memorandum forwarded by Mr. Nesbit classified tourists as visitors who would be in Australia for a period up to six months, but this period could be extended, Failure to export the car within a stipulated period would entail the payment of duty and Customs expenses. The bond had to be given by a bank or other approved authority in Australia. On the export of the car tire cash deposit was refunded in full or the bond cancelled. It was essential that all equipment be exported or duty would be chargeable. In the case of tyres worn out and replaced during the tour, it would be necessary to produce the discarded ones to the Customs officers at the .port of departure, op duty would be payable. Under State laws visitors were granted free registration permits for three months in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland and for two months in South Australia. New Zealand car registration and driving licenses must be produced, and New Zealand number plates were required to be on the car. The duty, primage and sales tax payable on the cars was given as follows in the memorandum: Single-seater open type, f.o.b. value £5O, duty £57 (United Kingdom origin), £93 (foreign origin); f.o.b. value £2OO, £lO2, £173; doubleseater open type, f.o.b. value £5O, £7B, £115; f.o.b. value £2OO, £124, £190; sedan, f.P,b. value £5O, £llO, £153; f.P-b. value £2OO, £143, £210; f.o.b. value £4OO, £2OB, £315; f.o.b. value £5OO, £240, £360.