TAXATION SCALE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 151, 27 June 1936, Page 10

TAXATION SCALE.

REVISION LIKELY. AIMS OF GOVERNMENT. 'THOSE BEST CAPABLE TO PAY' (By Telegraph,—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The possibility of a revision of the present scale of taxation was discussed by the Prime' Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. •T. "Savage, when he said the Budget was being framed by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash. It was, however, too early to give even a general indication of what was likely to be done. "Our principal aim should be well enough known by now," said Mr. Savage. "The Labour party has always stood for the imposition of taxation so that tlie burden falls on the shoulders of those best capable of carrying it. Nothing has occurred to alter that aim. The present position is inequitable in many ways, and we stand to alter it. However, it must be remembered that these things cannot be done in a flash, and it has yet to be decided when and how the alterations will be made. Nevertheless, it is still definite that they will be made." The only fair form of taxation was direct taxation, Mr. Savage added. Under that system the public knew what it was paying. Certain'forms of indirect taxation were, of course, necessary for certain defined purposes, but the aim of the Government was to tax directly in such a manner that those best able to pay would be made ' to pay.