AMUSEMENT TAX

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 June 1922, Page 3

AMUSEMENT TAX

A. AND P. SOCIETY’S CRITICISM

DUNEDIN, June 22. Strong exception was taken by members of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s Committee at this morning’s meeting, to what was considered to be the ridiculously exorbitant tax imposed upon tho Society under the heading “amusement,” in connection with the recent Winter Show. Members of tho committee were astounded when the secretary announced tho amount. The account showed that the Society was called upon to pay no less than £133 13s 4d. This was made up of a charge of £43 19s on members’ tickets and £B9 14s 4d on the money received at the doors. Several members pointed out that such an excessive tax would have a very serious effect on tho Society’s finances. Their comments on the action of the Government in presenting such a Bill were very adverse and caustic. It was mentioned that such shows could' not, under any stretch of the imagination, be considered as ordinary places of amusement. Agricultural Shows were entirely of an educational nature, and should therefore be exempt from the amusement tax. The amount charged to the Society will have to bo paid from its funds, as no extra tax was placed on the admission tickets.