REV. HOWARD ELLIOTT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9247, 5 March 1920, Page 5

REV. HOWARD ELLIOTT

ALLEGATIONS REPLIED TO.

(Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, March 4. In a statement handed to the "Dominion" on the eve of his departure for Australia, Sir Joseph Ward makes 'the following reference to his controversy with, the Rev Howard Elliott:—

"There was a statement sent by tho Press Association throughout the Dominion in criticism of my Winton speech by Mr Howard jfilliott that 1 had not explained, a. late Minister of Finance, why Roman Catholic clergy are exempt from income tax, whilst Protestant clergy are liable. As I find this is being reiterated, and an attempt.is being made to make the people believe it is true, I shall be glad if you will publish the ff .lowing letter, sent by me to the Prime Minister on the, matter, and the reply of the Commissioner of Taxes:—

• " 'Wellington, March 4, 1920.—The Minister in charge of Land and Income Tax Department, Wellington.— Dear Sir, —Would you be good enough to ascertain from the Commissioner of o Taxes (1) Whether Catholic priests ar_ "exempt from income tax. (2) If so, under what statute and when and by whom such was introduced and passed by Parliament. (3) Whether at any period of my administration any decision bearing on such question was asked for or given by nieP I shall be obliged if you would direct that a reply be furnished me to-day.' "In reply I received the following communication:—

" 'Sir, —In reply to your questions I have to say (1) Catholic priests are not exempt from income tax if in receipt of stipends exceeding the statutory exemption. (2) An answer to this question is unnecessary, in view of the answer to the first question. (3) As far as I am aware this matter has never been referred either to you or to any Finance Minister. I have been an officer of the Department, occupying a responsible position, ever since the land and income tax Acts have been in force, and I am in a position to say that had such a thing ever been done I would have been aware of it.—D. G. Clark, Commissioner of Taxes.' "