The “Dole” Bill

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 257, 26 July 1930, Page 13

The “Dole” Bill

Sir,—Apart from other new taxes under the Budget, the unfortunate New Zealand taxpayer is likely to have to pay up three times under the “dole” Bill, firstly, by his direct contribution. Secondly, by his indirect contribution through the Consolidated Fund (one-half of the whole “dole” fund). And thirdly, by his further contribution from the Consolidated Fund to make up contributors defaults in payment. In England, this last item is already costing the taxpayer £60,000,000. „ „ ri This, however, is not all. When the Bill goes before the special Select Committee, the Labour Party will force the United members of the committee to increase the sustenance amount, to shorten the number of days between the end of one period of sustenance payment and the beginning of the next period, and to include women in the Bill. Each of these alterations will mean an increase of the amount at present proposed to be extorted from the taxpayer. . As it is not likely that the United members of the committee will have the backbone to resist these demands of their masters, the Labour Party. the Bill, when it comes back to the House, will probably be found to be altered accordbit seems to me that the discussions on the Bill in the Select Committee, and the divisions; will be so important that the Press should be present at all the sittings, as was the case with the Bible in Schools, and, I think, the Wheat Committee. . . ... t I hope that public opinion will force this small concession, but it must speak promptly.—l am, etc., ■ interested. July 22.