DOMINION FINANCES.

Grey River Argus, 29 May 1922, Page 4

DOMINION FINANCES.

MASSEY PROMISES REDUCTION. KAIl ' V ‘ AYs AND POSTAL RATES CHRISTCHURCH, May 27. tax- >IL ' l> ' lll a P oss ible reduction in ; *^ s ° ’ ,! the railway and postal charges ifie I'ri.n > at- • * * ~ 1 hiup Minister stat- < at a shrink:,V.. o f £2,000,000 in t"' revenue was certain this year, otherwise reductions could have been made in a number ot directions ‘'The outlook to-day is very much bet er than it was last November,” 1 ■*^ ab - se ? 1° a deputation of horso owneis, uho had asked for reduced taxation. “AV,. i lave no{ gut t(? th() length of reducing taxation to any extent, but the time will come, and it must come, when a reduction will be made. The fares and freights on the railways and the postal charges are now piessing heavily on the people, and nothing would do more good than a reduction. I cannot say when these will take place, but as soon as it is possible a reduction will be made. About a fortnight ago, I discussed a number of matters connected with the railways with the Minister of Railways, and there was very little difference of opinion between us. He told me that ho and the General Manager were going through the general tariff, and expected. within a lew weeks, to submit proposals to the Cabinet. While I am not certain of any material reduction, as tar as racehorse owners are concerned, 1 expect something will be done to make it easier for the people who are genuine sports. That is about all i can tell you. It is no use my committing the Government to something they will not be able to do. “Trade of the country has improved.” Mr Massey added, “and there is a better feeling in both town and country; but what has taken place, up to the present, has not yet reached the finance of tho country. That is to say, we, as a Government, have not benefited by it. That it has got to come, there is no doubt, but as a result of last year’s operations, there will be a drop of £2.000,000 in the income tax this year. If it were not for thaf drop, which is certain to take place, I would be able to make reductions in quite a number of direst ions, but until that time is passed, it won’t be possible for me to do very much. I will know better how we stand by August. I shall then be able to make a statement in Parliament as to what it is possible to do; but the people should contribute to the revenue of the country in proportion to their ability to pay, and any legislation brought down this session will carry out that principle. I hope to see no class in this country unduly penalised. Everyone will share and share alike.