NEW TAXES.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20021, 1 September 1930, Page 10

NEW TAXES.

BUDGET CRITICISED. AMERICAN AND CANADIAN IMPORTATIONS. (SPECIAL TO TBB f 11*88.) INVERCARGILL, August 31. During the course of his address B at the annual meeting of the Southland A. and P. Association on Saturday, Mr James Price (retiring president) criticised the three-Party Government system, and urged for less talk and more beneficial legislation for the country. He also referred to the taxation proposals in tho recent Budget, and while approving of the petrol tax, considered a higher percentage of British preference in New Zealand on American importations would have the effect of enabling British industries to compete with America., "After tho promises, of 1928, we did not look fonvard to the proposal of this year's Budget, which provides for general taxation all round," said Mr Price, "and although we are opposed to % increasing the burden of taxation, realising the limit to which it can bo imposed, and its effect on industry and unemployment, yet I feel sure the majority approve of the petrol tax. The Government would be justified in going still further, and arranging for the Dominion's supply at present controlled by tho American Trust monopoly which would mean increased revenue, more profit to the distributor, a guaranteed supply ancl cheaper petrol to the consumer.

"Tho placing of American cars on the general tariff instead of the British preference list, operative on all cars exported prior to August 20th, meets with general approval. The CO per cent. British preference reminds me, when at the war, of standing with one foot in Belgium, and the other in France, and not belonging to either country. "I understand that to qualify for British preference, the factory, in some cases, is just over the line, and the workers live in America. Parts on which duty is paid are exported to Canada, and when assembled for export to New Zealand the amount is refunded to America. For a back-door entrance this is hard to beat. In some quarters 75 to 80 per cent. British preference is suggested. # "To show the extent of business between Canada and New Zealand over a period of seven years, the following figures will be of interest:

Canada, averago •• New Zealand, average .. Difference in favour of Canada, per annum .. 2,132,773 "On these figures the concession in duty granted to Canada must be much greater than that made by Canada to New Zealand. "America, to-day, is our worst enemy. She places prohibitive tariffs against New Zealand goods, competes on the London market against our produce, holds ft monopoly over our petrol supplies, and expects British preference through Canada for American motorcars We are to blame for the position to-day," concluded Mr Price. "The remedy is in the voter's hands. The system of Government in this country is at fault, and as long as we tolerate the three-Party system, conditions will become worse. ' What we require is less talk and more beneficial legislation for the country.''