THE WAR TAX.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15313, 29 July 1915, Page 9

THE WAR TAX.

VIEWS OF FARMERS' UNION. (MtESS ASSOCIATION TXLEGHAU.) WELLINGTON, July 28. Strong objection to the proposed tax upon exports was taken this afternoon by delegates to the Farmers' Union Conference, which is being held in Wellington. Seven remits from various districts in the Do'miuion appeared on tho order paper. A committee which had been set up to combine theso submitted the following resolution for tho consideration of tho Conference: — "That tho Government bo urged, in thc event of a war tax being levied, that it should be made to press equitably on all members of the community, but this Conference strongly objects to a tax ..pnn exports." Mr James Begg (Otago), who moved the resolution on behalf 0 f tbo committee, objected to a tax upon exports, not because it touched the farmers' pockets, but upon principle. Tho present was a fitting timo to protest against such a tax. High prices undoubtedly stimulated production, and tho prosperity of thc country depended upon an increasing volume of exports. . Mr T. Moss (Wellington) said ho thought the Government should be left a free hand in imposing a tax. The resolution did not embody a definite scheme. The prosperity which bad come to the farmers had been shared by tho wage-earners, and a tax upon exports would not do tho country any good. M r J. Boddie (Auckland) did not desire that it should go abroad that the farmers objected to a tax upon exports, because they were interested parties. To tax property and incomes would bo more unfair than to tax exports. He suggested that a 1 per cent, tax would not be felt, by the men on the land. Mr 0. Sheat (North Canterbury) said ho would be sorry to sec the working man hit through the Customs. After further discussion tho resolution was adopted on tho voices.