TAXING BILLS

Evening Star, Issue 20312, 22 October 1929, Page 8

TAXING BILLS

PARTY BATTLE IN PROSPECT LONG NIGHT EXPECTED (From Ouu Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 24. A prolonged, if not an all night, sitting will probably take place in the House of Representatives to-morrow (Tuesday), when the Government’s contentious Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill will be called on for committal. Mr Forbes, Acting Leader of the House, has signified that urgency will be sought by the Government, which means that an endeavour will be made to have the Bill committed, read a third time, and passed in a single sitting. That done, the Land and Income Tax (Annual) Bill will also be dealt with. There is bound to be a determined fight by the Reform Opposition to obstruct the progress of the Bill, and to make amendments in the committee stage, but the Government is determined to place its taxing measure on the Statute Book. It will have the assistance of the Labour Party, which regards the measure favourably, in that, while not effecting all that the party desires, it Is calculated to place the burden of taxation more nearly on the shoulders of those best able to bear it than is tho case under the existing law. To-morrow’s fight in committee should be the feature of the session. DEPUTY-LEADER IN CHARGE, Mr Forbes (Minister of Agriculture), who is Acting Leader of the House during the absence of the Prime Minister, will take charge of tho Bill during its committee stage in the House of Representatives. Sir Joseph\Ward has been anxious to return to parliamentary work this week, but he has been strongly urged by his Cabinet colleagues to continue resting, as the spell from parliamentary duties has resulted in a steady improvement, and a definite building up of bis strength, which had been undermined by the long ordeal of the second reading discussion on tho taxing measure, lasting nearly three days, followed by a large number of deputations to discuss tho proposals. Under those circumstances the Prime Minister has followed the advice of his medical man, supported by his Ministers. He is taking an active interest in affairs from day to day, and as he will remain in Parliament Building during tho debate ho will be available lor consultation by his colleagues.