Taxation Increases

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 265, 5 August 1931, Page 11

Taxation Increases

Sir, —Verily the United Party are making a rod lor tueir own pack, tne most g.aruig or one oi the most glaring inulcauous standing out piaimy, pa.pamy, and unvarnished is the aosenpe of increased taxation on motor spirit; to at one mow create a umy or i>d. per io. on tea is out-of ail reason; motor spirit could have carried an impost, and tne Government wueu they can so wau.oiiiy increase tue distress through the breadfast table is entirely without bowcis cf compassion for those who are aiready in dire distress, are now uerelting tiiemselves of any sympathy wnieh might have been felt for their being in power at this crucial stage of finding extra money. Has the. Gov eminent done what they cun do to husband their resources? Have they curtaued salaries at the top of the tree? The answer can only be, “No.” To apply in a self-satisfied style of lordiyism a general “cut” of 10 per cent, in salaries and wages right through tne rank and file is beymd the conception of at all events the vast number of those receiving salaries under £5OO or £350 per annum. Where is Mr.'Forbes's strength, where is his beatitude to the poor untortunate individual, including those our of employment, those who have to be content with an odd two or three days per week employment, and the smaller-paid man? Is it any wonder that the Reform Party, as I give them credit for having the right to move ameiiments, to these unthinking proposals of the United Government, have not responded to the cry of “fusion”? Is our judiciary not to be made' to recognise the present financial state of the Dominion? 1

In place of the full blow of 3d. duty impost on tea. the Government could very well have placed a small duty on dried fruits; these have been much cheaper during the past few months than for some years past; no “liolus bolus” is the cry of this Government in certain directions, and on top of everything the edict has gone forth that the hew duties are only for a stated period, verily does the ostrich bury its head in the sand, as it will curtail importations meanwhile. Eleven months ago in your paper I pointed out the need of a drastic overhaul of Government salaries, etc., and also that married women with husbands able to maintain them, and also girls who have no need to go to work, with fathers able to keep them, should not be allowed to be kept in the service. The Public Service Commissioner nearly twelve months ago prided himself on a reduction of £6OOO in salaries compared with the previous year, and stated every individual employed in the Government service was plainly required. If this is typical of the class of head oilicial that. Mr. Forbes listens to, then no wonder the country has got into such a state of extravagance. Certainly sugar should be moderately taxed, as this article is now far cheaper than it has been for many years, and I am sure that the flourmillers would sell far more flour if this line were cheaper, as how can the moderately-paid housewife continue to use the same quantity when the price is so high? I certainly concede that tea should he taxed, but not to the extent of 3d. per lb., and, as stated in the fore part of this letter, .motor spirit should bear its share and a goodly share, too. Education at its present cost is out of all reason, and this should receive further consideration.

May I inquire if the desired result, so far as can be ascertained at this juncture. has been obtained by the increased postal rates? If not this should certainly be reviewed at once.

The Dominion is now faced with many millions short of what it used to pride itself upon in the matter of exports and imports; has everything been done to bring into I’ne, expenditure, etc., in keeping with the control of the present reduced working machinery?—-I am. etc., R. F. E. FILDES. Wellington, July 31.