WOMEN AND THE TAX

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 74, 29 March 1932, Page 6

WOMEN AND THE TAX

(To the Editor.) . Sir,—l will be grateful if you allow me further latitude in your columns to discuss a position of extreme importance to unemployed and other women. In the House of Representatives Mr. Coates read a long report on the unemployment crisis, among other things, it was revealed that- the present wage and income tax is to be_ increased to. Is in the £1. Women will pay this tax, but no unemployed woman will be entitled to any relief or benefit whatsoever from the unemployment funds. Thus the worst forebodings of women in this Dominion have been realised, and the crowning insult to working and unemployed women alike has been delivered.^ I would emphasise tho willingness of New Zealand women to cooperate to bear their share no matter what hardship it may entail; but no woman who feels any responsibility to, or friendship for her own sex will be willing to pay this tax under the conditions suggested, and apparently endorsed by the Government. If the tax is, under these circumstances, collected, it will be regarded not as a just toll, but as a legalised raid on the earnings of a body regarded by our politicians as badly organised and defenceless. , I say that already the greatest hardship has been experienced by many workless women and girls, that charitable societies are unable, to cope with the situation and that no relief, no. support, should summarise the attitude of every thinking woman in New Zealand to the new wage and income taxation proposals. ? Over Easter a recess will.be observed During this time the,women, of every New Zealand constituency should form deputations, and obtain- from-their members a definite statement :as to his attitude on this vital matter. Let it be understood that meaningless, sympathy: is not wanted but that a member's vote: foror against the proposal is all that will "count, and let it be understood also that if any member chooses to vote '-forfibHe wage arid income taxation of -warned;''.without-.some ■measure of Government.aid.to unemployedwomen and girls, the block vote of the women, of his constituency will be solid against him at any future Parliamentary or municipal election. This is a bold proposal, but not so bold as the Government's treatment of New Zealand women Our only means of obtaining legislation is through our political representatives.' \I appeal to the women of New Zealand. Among the pioneer women" of this country there was a spirit of sacrifice and courage, which resulted in social progress in which we may well take pride. Not for any loss of comfort or fear of ridicule! should we lose that spirit now. Organise, and we .will remove from'the minds of some of our politicians the fixed idea that women are, as a class, open to political exploitation.—l am, etc., ; ■'■■ v ROBIN HYDE.