Taxation

Press, 17 November 1981, Page 20

Taxation

Sir,—l received in the mailbox today a pamphlet entitled “Danger party politics” which I believe contains the most pernicious trash. I think T.R.I.M. is incorrect in saying that turnover tax is fair. I see it as being completely unfair. Those with the most turnover are often those with the least money. These are your married couples with two or more children on’ wages. Those with lowest turnover include couples on high incomes whose children have left home. T.R.I.M. has absolutely nothing to say on social issues, health, justice or foreign affairs but is completely materialistic.— Yours, etc., STEPHEN CLOSE. November 14, 1981. Sir,—Jim Baker (November 16. 1981) appears to ignore all the massive advantages .of turnover tax and criticises an area that will produce only a minute amount of revenue. It was quite clearly pointed out in the brochure mailed to’me by T.R.I.M. this week that the success of this tax system is because there is a wide base of taxpayers and that if we all take a share of the load it will be easier to carry. Anyway, what about the other four pledges? Mr Baker will certainly be judged on his integrity, and I and the many hundreds of other integritycommitted St Albans voters can only judge this by whether or not he has signed the integrity pledges, not whether or not he is in sympathy with the movement. That is the real test for his integrity.—Yours, etc., BRIAN WILSON. November 16, 1981.

Sir,—The deadline for the return of T.R.I.M. pledges was November 11. Until now my personal comments could have had an unjust , influence on other candidates. I can now state clearly and openly my reason for not taking part in this exercise. The questionnaire calls for integrity on the part of the candidate and this is good. Unfortunately the organisation has strayed and this is good. Unfortunately the organisation has strayed from the basic intention. The pledges call for specific one-way policy only, be it right or wrong, be it the wish of the majority or minority — not very democratic. Had the movement . asked candidates to pledge the implementation of all their particular policy, to its fullest, thereby returning an honest commitment. I feel they would have achieved a major goal for New Zealand.—Yours, etc.. T. E. LANGRIDGE, Social Credit candidate for Papanui. November 16, 1981.