More death duty relief wanted

Press, 9 April 1977, Page 2

More death duty relief wanted

Farmers seek further relief from death duties because relief already given has been negated by inflation. The national director of the New Zealand Sheep and' Cattlemen’s Association (Mr A. D. Dick) said that at a! recent meeting of the association at Timaru. ‘extreme <oncem" had been expressed, about the disastrous effects; these duties were having on fanners' estates. “As inflation has negated any benefits that may have accrued from relief measures introduced in the last budget, it was decided to acquaint the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) of the present situation with a view to seeking further relief,” said Mr Dick. It had been noted that Queensland had abolished! death duties and Victoria had abolished death duties

■ on transfers between; • spouses. i! The policy of the associ-i ation was that there should; be no death duties between; ' spouses and children where I; the farm was to be carried) on within the family. It bad been decided to) seek further information! from both Queensland and; ; Victoria, with the idea of! [preparing a case to put before the Government for! consideration for the Budget.: “Death duties at the mo-) I ment are a disinheritance! tax for both widows and; ■ children.” said Mr Dick,' i “and as the family farm is! ■ the most solid base on which to maintain and build) i: New Zealand’s agricultural! industry, it is imperative I that death duties be either; ( abolished completely or that; II the sheep and cattlemen’s) i policy be adopted,” said Mr l ; Dick.