AMUSEMENT TAX

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 5, 6 July 1923, Page 8

AMUSEMENT TAX

REQUEST OF SPORTS BODIES

PRIME MINISTER'S PROMISE.

The desire on the part of sports bodies that they should be placed on the same footing as agricultural and pastoral societies with regard to the amusomcnt tax is still being pursued, and this week further correspondence on the matter has passed between tTie general secretary of the New Zealand Sports Protection League (Mr. E. W. Shallcrass) and the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. W. F. Massoy). Mr. Shallcrass wrote as follows to the Prime Minister: " During last session of Parliament, when legislation was introduced exempting agricultural shows from the imposition of the amusement tax, strong representations were made for an extension of the measure to include sports bodies. You indicated that the amusement tax waa imposed entirely as a war measure, but it was not possible, owing to the acute financial stringency, to remove the taxation altogether, and that the Bill, then before Parliament, provided only an instalment of relief. It was stated that it was only .stern necessity which compelled the Government to perform the unpleasant duty of imposing the tax, especially on bodies organised for. the promotion of sports of all kinds, and the hope was expressed that with the general improvement in the financial position of the country it would l>o possible to do away with the tax ds year. In consequence of the position In which tha Government .found itself, and in anticipation of relief being given this year, the claims of sports bodies were' not pressed during last session. " The league has not, however, observed in any of the statements' which you have made regarding the reduction ot taxation that any mention has been made with respect to the amusement tax. particularly in so far as it concernssports bodies. I wouia like to havo your assurance that these bodies will thi« session be placed in the same position as agricultural and pastoral societies." The Prime Minister has replied as follows:—"I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, relating to the- question of exempting sports bodies from the operation of the amusement tax. I note y6ur observations in connection with this matter, and shall be glad to arrange for the request which you have preferred on behalf of "sports bodies to receive my careful consideration when amendments to the legislation dealing_ with the tax mentioned are under review.