AMUSEMENT TAX

Evening Star, Issue 18337, 26 July 1923, Page 9

AMUSEMENT TAX

IMPOST ON RUGBY.

REMISSION SOUGHT.

[From Ora Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, July 25.

Remission of tho amusement tax payable upon entrance at football matches was urged upon Mr Massey to-day by a deputation from the New Zealand Rugby Union. Mr Massey said that while he could not make ft definite promise, ho was Oiopeful of being able to get legislation through Parliament reducing the tax to a certain extent. Mr Glenn (Rangitikci), who introduced the deputation, Said that the union was fighting under financial hardship. A certain amount of the profits of the 1.£5 tour, which amounted to about £IO,OOO, had been devoted to that purpose, and the money had also formed the nucleus of a fund to help the poorer Rugby unions. They were now up against it, and desired to impress upon the Government that the amusement tax was handicapping them. . Mr S. S. Dean (chairman of the Management Commitce) asked for the remission of last year’s amusement taxes for the whole dominion, amounting to £3,031. The Prime Minister: That looks as though you are well able to pay tbo taxes. , , , , , Mr Dean ; “ No; it all goes back into school football.” Last year, ho said, tbo union lost £1,800; this year they were fared with the New South Wales tour : and next year there was the projected tom- of England. , , , Tho Prime Minister stated that he was not quite sure yet what ho was going to <3o in regard to the amusement tax. * I hope,” be said, “to pet legislation through reducing to a certain extent these taxes, which are irritating. I will say it is no pleasure to have to collect them. If Rimby football stood by itself in the matter, 1 could say, “Yes” straight away • but then we_ are collecting amusement taxes in quite a number of directions, and, as far as I can see. wo shall have to reduce them all.” While making no definite promise, ho had no doubt that he would bo able to reduce the tax; but he could not say bo would bo able to ask Parliament to dp so this year, as the financial position was heavier than be bad anticipated.