TAX COMMISSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1924, Page 1

TAX COMMISSION.

SITTINGS CONTINUED

[by TELEGRAPH —TER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHRISTCHURCH, Alay G.

At tlio sitting of the Taxation Commission, AH- ,T. D. Hall (President of the North Canterbury Fanners’ Union) said his theory was that tlio land tax, which was inequitable, should bo altered. There should he n flat rate and nlllowanco for mortgages. A farmer should he taxed on his income, not on his debts. Tit England, a farmer was taxed on his income. Dealing with indirect taxation, Air Hall said the amount paid by the fanner for land tax was small compared with tlio taxes which lie paid indirectly, and which "'ere the main reasons for tho increased cost of production on farms. That cost wits more than double what it was lie fore the war. Mr AY. H. Nicholson. Secretary of the Canterbury Sheep Owners’ Union, said his Executive wished him to specialty stress the point that land tax, as at present levied, was a capital tax pure and simple, and it was imposed on one section of the community only and they urged that if it capital tax was found to ho unavoidable in order to provide means for meeting tlio expenses of tlio Government, tlio capital. however employed, should he made to hear its share equally with that used in winking tho land for production. so that some measure of relief might he given to primary producers.

-Mr B. E. ir. AVhitcomhe, Managing Director of AVhitcomhe and Tombs, said the graduated land tax levied on industrial companies fell unjustly on them, as it hindered the expansion of industry, and the full number of bands could not lie employed.

Charles Ogilvie, managing director of Booth and Co.’s Drapery, suggested that the profits passed to reserve in a business snob as theirs should he treated on it lower scale of income tax with ti view of conserving capital. The ultimate gain would he steady dividends and steady income tax, so luitli shareholders and the Government would eventually roup a benefit.

Air It. Mortem, .sheen farmer, of Toitapii. said that the land tax, as a class tax, was an evil example of the capital tax levied on the primary industry of the country. The remedy, if capital was to bo taxed, was in it properly bix, which would be levied oil all property.

Air K. Hay. sluVp farmer of Pigeon Bay. said be was also opposed to land tax. It would be the best day for New Zealand when that tax wa's willed out. he said. The land would he better looked after and better improved. He contended it would be much fairer to tax fanners oil their income.