RESEARCH LEVY

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 51, 29 August 1934, Page 9

RESEARCH LEVY

NOT GOING FAR ENOUGH '

In the course of his address at the annual meeting of the New- Zealand Sheep Owners' and Farmers' Federation yesterday, the president (Mr. H. D. Acland) referred to the proposal contained in ,the; Scientific and ludus; trial Research Amendment Bill to provide finance for research work to be continued by Massey and Lincoln Colleges, and said that far more serious than the- imposition of fourpence per bale, which. might not be a serious matter to the average sheep owner, was the principle of a Government Department promoting legislation to provide funds for any industry through direct taxation without'referring the.question to those who would have to pay the tax. He trusted that something along the lines of a ballot or referendum would be arranged before,the tax was imposed.,.. ~ :. "The Bill provides for research only within New Zealand with a 25 per cent, allowance for research only outside the Dominion,?' continued Mr. Acland. "Ivfo provision appears to have been made for publicity or propaganda work in the interests of Dominion wool growers. If a levy is to be justifiable it should be .of sufficient size to provide for1 research on an international basis and provide for avenues of research to be widened to embrace diseases of ghcep, propaganda, etc. If'would, appear'that-.a larger sum than is provided for in the- Bill would be justified, that is, if sheep owners through the ballot express their willingness to be levied on for research work. I suggest that if a levy is required it would be preferable to increase the amount to a sufficient extent to ensure that the work to be carried out will bo of sufficient allrOund vajue to justify the extra direct taxation imposed on sheep owners." .