TAX ON SPORTS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 February 1937, Page 5

TAX ON SPORTS.

[to the editor.] Sir, —Every year the Government derives considerable revenue from charges made on all sports bodies, in the form of amusement tax. This tax is a hardship on sporting bodies, which provide the facilities for the physical training of the youth of the country. ,It is stated, that Aero Clubs, which advertise charges for joy rides, charges much higher than the average charge for admission to various sports gatherings, and which are even made on a. Sunday, for which day other sporting bodies have very little chance of obtaining permission to make a charge, do not pay the tax. If this statement is correct, it seems most unfair that other sporting bodies should have the tax imposed on them, whilst Aero Clubs go free. Can you inform me, Sir, if there is any exemption in the case of Aero Clubs. I am, etc., “ENQUIRER. "Until such time as the Aero Club charges for admission to the aerodrome, the question of amusement tax does not arise,” said an Aero Club official, when the foregoing letter was referred to him. “The only amounts collectable by the club, at present, are for fares. It would be just as reasonable to expect taxi proprietors to pay amusement tax on the fares they receive. In the case of an air pageant, however, the usual amusement tax is paid.”—Ed., "Star.”