PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 252, 6 August 1941, Page 7

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

TAXATION NOT FAVOURED. RESOLUTION AT WELLINGTON. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, August -5. A proposal that an additional IJd in the £ bo imposed on income under Social Security taxation to raise money for patriotic funds, in place of voluntary subscription, has been advanced by the ‘Auckland Chamber of Commerce. After consideration the council of the Wellington chamber, at a meeting this evening, decided not to support tho proposal. The secretary of the Auckland chamber, Dr. E. P. Neale, in a letter, said the proposal was being explored in view of the economic waste m the present, method of raising such funds. If tho method suggested were adopted the burden would be spread over the whole community.

The vice-president (Mr A. L. Wall) who presided in the absence of the president (Mr R. H. Nnnmo) said that the secretary (Mr E. M. Bardsloy), after consulting Mr Nimmo, bad replied to the Auckland letter pointing out that the proposal to raise patriotic funds by taxation was not new and had been discussed by the National Patriotic Council at its last meeting. The letter stated in part: “The position as we understand it is that tho Government would have no objection to raising patriotic funds by taxation ; but as' all taxation must be administered by the Government it, would follow that the present control over those funds by provincial councils would have to cease. Against this there is the possibility of the Government passing legislation to leave the control of expenditure as at present; but such action is extremely unlikely.” Mr Wall said he agreed with the president’s view. There was already sufficient taxation to provide for social needs. They must, as a body and as individuals, cherish in their hefirts.the fact that they at least had opportunity of giving of their own, freely and voluntarily, to aid the beys lighting overseas.

The council approved tho terms of the reply sent to Auckland.