WHOLESALE MERCHANTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 46, 23 February 1929, Page 12

WHOLESALE MERCHANTS.

DOMINION CONFERENCE. TAXATION AND STAMP DUTY. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUXEDIX, Friday. Delegates representing the wholesale general merchants of the Dominion met in Dunedin to take part in the annual conference. It was the most representative gathering" of merchants that has ever assembled in the Dominion. Many matters of importance to the wholesale trade were under consideration.

Attention was directed to the continuation of the measure introduced during the war whereby stamp duty 011 cheques and receipts was increased in each instance from Id to 2d. It was pointed out that it was understood that this increase would be cancelled at the conclusion of the war, and it was particularly emphasised that this increase was a tax imposed 011 one section of taxpayers, that is, the trading community. It'was decided to make strong representations to the Govtrnment that the time had long passed when a reversion to the old rate should be given effect to.

Taxation came under notice, particular attention being directed to the amendment to the Income Tax Act passed in 1027, which resulted in an increase in the income tax 011 one section of the community, approximating iu many instances 100 per cent. The conference decided that strong representations should be made to the Government that what was termed class taxation should be reviewed when next Parliament meets.

An expression of appreciation was recorded at the recent announcement of the Prime Minister that in his opinion the time had arrived when the Government should give business people mors encouragement to develop their businesses, and that the Government should abstain from that interference which had characterised political activity in recent years.

Very great regret was expressed at the news of the death of the Chief Justice, and the conference passed a resolution of deep sympathy with the l'elalives of deceased, and placed on record its sense of loss to the country in th# death of such a distinguished citizen.