GIPSY SMITH.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 15 September 1926, Page 9

GIPSY SMITH.

STATEMENT REGARDING PAYMENTS.

(BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 14.

There has. been so much controversy about the amount of money made by Gipsy Smith in Australia that when the Rev. A. J. Senmer, secretary of the inter-denominational committee controlling the New Zealand tour on bohalf of the Associated Free Churches, invited a representative of the Star up to his office the invitation was readily accepted. The secretary showed him a receipt of the Federal Income Tax Department of the Commonwealth, which made it clear that, at the conclusion of his six months’ tour in Australia, Gipsy Smith paid less than £’lso income tax on an amount of just over £2OOO. Mr. S-eamer said that all expenses of the lecturer were paid by the committee, who took all moneys in the collections in each session in- each town, except one, which was allotted to Gipsy Smith. In addition to this collection Gipsy •Smith gave a lecture, to which admission was fixed at 1-s 6d, and, he also t-oop any profits from the sale of hymn books.

The reporter endeavoured to ascertain what amount Gipsy Smith would receive from his collection, sale of hymn books, and thanks offerings, but Mr. Seamer said that although he, as secretary, handled all the money, lie was not in a position to say what Gipsy Smith would receive, and in any ease that was a private matter.