MONEY FOR WAR PURPOSES

Evening Star, Issue 16409, 27 April 1917, Page 4

MONEY FOR WAR PURPOSES

THE LEVY ON BUTTER FAT. “FORTUNATE NEW .ZEALAND.” NO RESTRICTION ON FOOD SUPPLIES. [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 27. Replying to-day to a deputation representing North Island dairy farming interests, which complained of £d per lb levy on. butler fat as unduly oppressive, the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald said that when the Government took action butter was selling at Is Bd. If they had allowed the speculators and others to run the risk, it would have risen to 2s 6d. Tho Government fixed a fair price—about 4-id per lb above the price ruling before tho war. If they had not imposed restrictions the whole of the butter in the Dominion would have been exported. It was no pleasure to the Government to harass any section of the community. Many people had not realised how exceptionally fortunate New Zealand was. We had no restriction supplies, as elsewhere, and received higher prices for our produce than ever before, Ho could not see any great reason why the farmers should make a protest. The Government fully recognised the loyalty and patriotism of those engaged iu the producing industry; but we were up against the crucial test in connection with the war. The Minister indicated that the levy would cease at the end of June. It would be for Parliament to devise some other method. Every available source of taxation would be tapped, because the Government had to find money for war purposes.