NEW TAXATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 June 1930, Page 9

NEW TAXATION

GOVERNMENT CRITICISED.

[per press association.]

HASTINGS, June 17

Economy, , greater production and loss taxation were the keynotes struck by Mr. J. S. McLeod, in his annual presidential address to the Hastings Chamber of Commerce. Taxation, he said, was soon going to bo the all absorbing topic. The Government had given a very emphatic warning that it was going to be increased. They increased it last year, now they are going to increase it further. It was particularly noticeable, however, that not one member of Parliament had suggested economy in administration. The Government should set an example by so managing its own affairs that it would achieve economies in managing the country. It was time tho electors showed their conviction that Government expenditure had gone beyond the due limit, and could not continue unless the country were forced into bankruptcy.

Ho condemned tho land tax, and reiterated that a general taxation of income was the only fair system. If all paid according to income, all would insist on economy in Government expediturc. It was also time the Government reviewed the management of its departments. There was evidence of much wasteful expenditure. The Government functions had grown haphazard, and there was need for curtailment. Whatever happened, he hoped tho Chambers of Commerce throughout tho Dominion would do something to assure that tho new taxation would not bo as absurd as it was last year.