TAXES AND RATES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30289, 15 November 1963, Page 24

TAXES AND RATES

—R. M. Macfarlane (Labour) Since the creation of the Christchurch Central electorate I have been elected with substantial majorities at each election as the Labour candidate. At this election, as a result of boundary changes, several new areas have been added to the electorate. I welcome the new electors and assure them that. if. I am elected, any Parliamentary business they may have, if represented to me, will receive attention. At this election. Labour offers a progressive policy. Apart from saying that income tax will be further reduced, the National Party offers practically no policy whatever. The Prime Minister and National candidates are indulging in personal abuse of Mr Nordmeyer and the Labour candidates. We hear talk of the Black Budget. Let electors be reminded of the state of the overseas funds when Labour came to power: overseas funds only sufficient to finance six weeks’ payments of imports, and the dairy pool reserve virtually exhausted. To save mass unemployment similar to the thirties. Labour had to act. Mr Holyoake and his party made a great commotion about the beer, petrol, and cigarette taxes. He said he would decrease the indirect taxes. He has increased them. Today, millions more are being collected from the above taxes than under Labour. New Zealand wants a policy. Steady as you go is developing into stagnation.

The. productivity of New Zealand will increase under Labour and the finance will be available to operate Labour’s policy.

Let me remind electors that the present Government reduced certain rates of income tax but increased Budget expenditure this year by over £5O million. Then they ask where is the money coming from to meet Labour's policy. Labour's income tax policy is that personal exemption for income tax will be increased to £lO a week for a single person and £ 15 a week for a married man with a dependent wife. City and South Island As a Christchurch member, I have fought consistently in the House for my city and the South Island, irrespective of party. I will continue to do so. Many local bills on behalf of Christchurch local bodies have been introduced by me. It is amusing to note that several National candidates are talking about the interests of the South Island. No other Government has neglected our interests like the present one. While dealing with this matter, we know how the burden of rates is causing ratepayers and all citizens concern. Labour has a policy to assist. It is: ‘The Crown should pay rates on Crown properties with the exception of schools and hospitals. The 2d-in-the-gallon petrol tax now paid to the Consolidated Fund will be paid into a special account of the Roads Board, to be distributed to local authorities.” The National Party has set up one of its numerous committees to examine local body rates and has no policy on this matter. The contest in Central has always been between Labour and National, other candidates polling a small percentage of votes. It will be so on this occasion.

If elected. I pledge myself to work for my party, my constituency, and Christchurch as a whole.