THE AMUSEMENTS TAX.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 51, 28 February 1918, Page 6

THE AMUSEMENTS TAX.

B EXEMPTION OF SHOWS. ißy Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A deputation representing the Council of Agriculture waited upon the Minister of Finance to-day to ask that agricultural and pastoral associations should be relieved from payment of the amusement tax. Mr. F. W. Williams, president of the association's conference, said the application of the tax to the associations meant only £1500 to £2000 to the Government, but it would force some of the smaller organisations out of existence. The deputation did not ask for the lifting of the tax on side shows. .Sir Joseph Ward said the tax could not be altered at present, 6ince the consent of Parliament would be required. If the tax as it affected agricultural and pastoral associations did not produce more than £1500 a year, he would be prepared to give favourable consideration to the request for removal, but if the revenue produced was larger, say £ 10,000, there could be no question of abandoning it without imposing other taxation in its place. He felt, as Minister of Finance, that he could not consent to tho loss of revenue at the present time. He would be glad, if it were possible, to place all taxation on a broad ■basis, but the prime necessity was obtaining the millions the Government required. If the end of the war came twelve months hence, New Zealand would have to faco a total liability for interest on war loans of £7,000,000 per annum. People generally were respond- : ing magnificently to the demands made upon them for war taxation. The Minister promised to see that the basis of amusements tax, as it affected agricultural associations, was the same in all cases. There had been various interpretations of the Act in the past.