UPKEEP OF ROADS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16798, 23 July 1920, Page 5

UPKEEP OF ROADS.

NO GENERAL WHEEL TAX. MOTORISTS FAVOUR TYRE TAX. i Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 22. The. annual conference of the New Zealand Automobile Union opened today. The first matter considered was the question of motor taxation, which had been the ground of the resignation of the president, Mr. P. S. M'Lean, of Napier, in that he did not agree with the policy of the Union’s executive in regard to a tax on tyres.

Mr. Ivan Wilson (Wairarapi, Association) moved that the resolution of the annual meeting of 1919 regarding a tax on tyros, bo rescinded. In the course of an interesting discussion which followed, it was stated that tlio imports of tyres and tubes into New Zealand last year was £1,000,000. Some speakers emphasised the necessity of seeing that the money paid by motorists should bo spent on the roads. The Government should receive and handle the money. It was contended that local authorities at present wore taxed unfairly and irregularly, and it was no guarantee that the money went on the roads, which were in a scandalous state. The motion for rescission was lost almost unanimously. A motion was adopted asking that the tax should be by special Statute on tyres; that the scale,, of taxation should bo graduated ' for different classes of tyres, the proceeds to bo used entirely for the improvement of rpads, and should ho administered by ail independent board representing tlm interests concerned; that rebates’ bo allowable; that the tax bo levied proportionately on all road users. The Minister, the lion. G. J. Anderson, replying to the representations, said the amount suggested to bo raised by taxation—£l,ooo,ooo —was a more drop in the bucket for road improvement. Motorists must contribute more than double that amount, whether the tax ho upon tyres or weight and power. Ho was opposed to a general wheel tax, which Parliament would never pass. Rebates on taxation must bo granted on vehicles used lor pleasure or business. He agreed on the necessity for annual registration, but thought the problem of uniform by-laws difficult, through local pride. Every driver should bo licensed. The -legislation would be largely on the linos of Sir Francis Boll’s^ Bill of 1914, with improvements. ATI motor tax proceeds would be used ym the road through a National Road Board.