WAR TAX

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2500, 29 June 1915, Page 5

WAR TAX

FARMERS' UNION REMITS

A LONG LIST

Apparently tlie war tax question will be much discussed at the New Zealand {"armors' Union Conference. The following remits are on the order paper:— Pelorus Sounds.—"That iliis conference is strongly of the opinion that a war tax on the land only, or a war tax on the imports and exports, places tlie Dominion's share of the cost of the war almost solely 011 the producer, he being the sole exporter and the - largest importer, thus creating a class tax, and assuming that the present system of general taxation is fair to the whole community, being the careful thought of years, it should be so increased as to cover all expenses relating to the war." Taranaki—"That this conference is of the opinion that in order to distribute the war tax fairly a percentage increase on the present sources of taxation would meet the case." Otago and Southland.—"That if a war tax has to be imposed, the union would urge that everyone in the Dominion 6hould bear a fair share, and that it should in no sense be a class tax." Wellington.—"That the Government be urged, in the event of a war tax being necessary, that it be so made that it will press equitably on all members of the community." Auckland.—"That this conference strongly objects to an export tax. but would be in favour of the pioposed war tax raised from land and income, and from Customs duties on certaiii articles in general consumption, so as to spread the cost over the whole of the people on a fair and equitable basis." Marlborough.—"That in regard to the suggested war tax, this conference strongly condemns anything in th 6 nature of a class tax, considering that all should contribute according to their means. This conference favours a universal tax on incomes 011 the lines suggested by Mr. Vavasour, \ iz., a universal income tax of one per cent, on incomes from'ratebale property (assuming the income to be 5 per cent, of the value); on all other incones aud on all wages. Each employer to deduct the amount of the tax when paying his employee; the employer to be responsible for the amount as shown by his labour pay sheet. Payment to bo made halfyearly or yearly." Marlborough.—"That this conference is of opinion that all financial requirements as are applicable to New Zealand for war purposes should be provided by way of special loan or otherwise, and, at the termination of the war, the enemies of the Allies should be maae to pay such war costs by way of indemnity."