WELLINGTON SUBURBS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 102, 27 October 1925, Page 9

WELLINGTON SUBURBS

MR. WRIGHT AT LYALL BAY

Mr. R. A. Wright addressed a large audience at the Churchroom, Freyberg street, Lyall Bay, last night. Mr. J. H. BurgoyneVThomas presided, and briefly introduced the candidate.

Mr. Wright said he wished to correct an erroneous impression which prevailed through ■ the circulation of a leaflet dealing with taxation. This leaflet purported to show that the Government had reduced the taxaton on the land and income taxpayers, and had increased if on those who paid the Customs duties. As a matter of fact, of the Customs and excise revenue more than onethird was derived from alcoholic drinks and . tobacco, and less than 6 per cent, from foods and non-alcoholic drinks. The tariff revision of 1921 resulted in remissions of duty (based on the average of' tlie importations for the two years 1923 and 1924) to the amount of £429,750 per, annum. Increased rates were only levied on alcoholic spirita, tobacco, and motor vehicles. It was truo boots and clothing were dutiable, but those duties were imposed for tho purpose of protecting local industries, and would not be removed even- by a Socialistic Government. The taxation on wealthy people was considerable. Between 1915-16 and 1924-25 no less than £74,111,843 had been received by the State from taxpayers in respect of land and income tax and succession duties alone, whereas during the same period Customs and excise collection only totalled £57,510,905. After dealing with the education question at length, and answering a number of questions, Mr. Harris moved, and Mr. A. Sando seconded, a hearty vote of thanks and confidence in the candidate which was carried by acclamation.