TAXATION REMITS FOR CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29178, 12 April 1960, Page 19

TAXATION REMITS FOR CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

-The Press* Special Service

WELLINGTON, April 11. Concessions on gifts, the removal of dividend taxes on preference shares and the institution of a simpler tax system are among topics on taxation and finance in the remits to the forthcoming conference in Napier of the Associated Chambers of Commerce. • f Donations to non-profit charitable, educational or research organisations are exempted from tax in some countries, says a note to one remit asking that the same procedure should apply in New Zealand. “Deductibility of donations to approved institutions would produce many social and other benefits and relieve Government outlays for such purposes to some extent, at a relatively minor reduction in the Government’s income tax revenue,” says a note to the remit. To help stem the decline m gold production in New Zealand, a scheme of tax concessions and subsidies should be instituted as it applied in Australia and some other countries, says another remit. A complete review of the whole system and incidence of taxation by a special commission is also sought, with a view to simplifying the legislation that had become “so complex and difficult of interpretation.” I An appeal authority with judicial status to hear appeals from decisions of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue is asked by another cljpmber. The conference will also be asked to reiterate its support and approval of a system of exchange control to replace the import licensing system. Hewing Benefits Housing benefits, apart from rehabilitation cases, granted to individuals at the public expense, should be paid from the Social Security fund and should be subject to a continuing means test, says one remit, supported by another asking that a “reasonable market rent” be charged for all State houses, any special assistance being paid from the Social Security fund. “In view of the difficulty of controlling the demand on public mpney generated by concessional interest and capitalisation of family benefits,” a remit suggests that the Government be asked to restrict its house building programme. Initiation of a publicity campaign advocating that New Zealand become a member of the International Monetary Fund and the World Dank is also urged. Among the remits relating to trade, industry, and development are these recommendations for conference action:— All employers, including the Government, should take cognisance of the long term implications of reducing rewards for skill in New Zealand.

The Government should explore the feasibility of shift work in the waterfront industry with a view

to making the fullest possible > se .,P? existing port and harbour facilities.

Annual leave dates should be staggered throughput the year. The Government should make an early policy statement on the establishing of international and internal airports and as to the priority and methods of finance. Restoration of an assisted immigration programme to a level not below that of 1958 should be undertaken by the Government, increasing the proportion of Continental Europeans. The Forest Service should, insofar as its trading activities are concerned, tja' constituted as a statutory corporation with an independent directorate and should not trade through a. Government department which is also con-* cemed r With * formulation • and administration of State policy in that industry.