WAGES TAX

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 10828, 29 March 1932, Page 3

WAGES TAX

Will be Pressed For. STATEMENT BY I’IUMK MINISTER. Christchurch, March 2S Asked whether it was the Government's intention to propose a furher wage reduction, the Prime Miniiter, the IU. Hon. O. W. Forbes, said the question would be considered by Cabinet during the recess. “The proposed wages tax, amounting to Is in the £. will be pressed for. and, of course, the reports from both the economy and economists commissions stated that a further reduction in Government expenditure was necessary for the rehabilitation of the country. The first ‘cut 1 in wages and salaries was made by a general order of the Arbitration Court, but, under the proposals in view for an alteration in the Arbitration Act, freedom is to be allowed, and employers will be in a position to make the best arrangements necessary to carry on industry. “A reduction of the rates of interest, as suggested by the commission, will be considered at a very early date. The matter will come under the general heading of costs, together with the Arbitration Court. Of course, I consider that there are a lot of very satisfactory voluntary arrangements being made to-day. They have taken place, allowing for substantial reductions. Anything that we do in the near future will take this into account.’’