Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20th., 1934. SALES TAX.

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 December 1934, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20th., 1934. SALES TAX.

T he Christmas gift problem is not made easier by the sales tax imposed on many articles. Its presence may not be emphasised on the buyers, but it has to be paid at one stage, and "wholesale and retail prices are thereby affected. Were this fact generally realised there would be more public support for the protest made by the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, against the continuance of a tax which was instituted to help the nation out of its financial crisis. Enormous sums have been collected, with the tendency to increase, and it was well that the people should be reminded they are being mulcted of 2Jmillion pounds annually by this tax alone. When other taxation burdens and Customs duties are taken into consideration, it is little wonder that few have much left from the year’s income, however thrifty their policy. The sales tax in its -working is costly, and despite Air. Coates’s claim to the contrary, obviously increases the cost of living. The Ministry will not lightly surrender this method of raising money, and may claim that it cannot afford to do so. At this season of the year, the nation is difficult to arouse over public policy questions, but when the holidays are over, the abolition of the sales tax is a matter that should be given serious consideration. The next general elections might well be fought on the taxation issue, as! no other part of the Coalition policy is so open to criticism. Advantage appears to be taken of the willingness exhibited by the tax-1 payers, to assist the Government in, its great task of financing to meet Ihe depression era. The day is overdue when (here should be proved a : Ministerial desire io lighten the : people’s burden. The sailes tax ! abolition should be one of the first moves in this direction. i

THE SCHOOLS. W ITH the ending of another school year, come the usual reports of well-being, and judging from the examination results, there is not much wrong with the national system. Teachers and pupils are to be congratulated, and it is to be hoped that their long vacation will be adequately enjoyed. The fact that the primary school-year consists of about 200 days only, that, proficiency examinations are conducted as early as November. I and that the tendency is to add to holidays, suggests that the often- 1 heard allegations of over-work would be difficult to substantiate.! If the teaching profession ever makes New Year resolutions a re-

i solve to protest less, and appreciate I more, would, appear to be oppor- ] tune. The Grey district schools | have their problems, the unsatisfactory state of the playground at the Grey Main, and the too little patronised Technical hostel, being instances, but, on the whole, affairs are going well. More practical interest could be shown in the welfare of district schools, especially by ex-pupils, as when such concern exists, there is rarely any difficulties about finance or adequate equipment.