POLITICAL AMENITIES

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1929, Page 6

POLITICAL AMENITIES

THE LEADERS. RETORTS. WELLINGTON, Sept 25. During.the debate on the Land and Income Tax Bill, the Premier (Sir Joseph Ward) in the course of his speech said “One of Chamber’s resolutions concludes wiiii a. proposal, ‘That, the Commissioner of Taxes shall be bound by the finding of the Commission.’, Under the hardship, it stands, the Commissioner of Taxes has no power to cance special land tax. The Commissioner may cancel such tax if the Commission recommends relief. This is as it should lie. The mam desideratum appears to he that the tax should not he lightly cancelled. The Bill ensures this principal. The taxpayer lias to make good his case before the Commission, and then its report comes 'inally before the official charged with the administration of the Act in general, including the other hardship provisions of the law. I may be able to concur in the findings of the Commission in every case, but should not he hound to do so. If the taxpayc considers he lias not had fair treatment he has the remedy of a petition to Parliament. ’’ “I am. fully cognisant, of the distasteful nature of an increase in taxation to those whom it affects.” continued the Prime Minister. “No one ha 1, pic ure in asking any section of the comm!" “v to bear an increase, nut no one doing his duty could be justified i” u 'ving the. income tax as ui- ’v ; th the knowledge that so many aide to pay have been escaping tneir legitimate contribution. I made up niv mind that when I got the opportunity I would make those nay who- had been escaping the'" fai share for ten or fourteen years.” The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Coates): How long? The Prime 'Minister: Since shortly after-.the war was over. Air Coates: Well, how long ago was that P The Prime Minister: Call it ten years, if that will make you any happier. Air Coates: No, five years. The Prime Alinister: Well, for so many years that you have forgotten a large section have been escaping their legitimate share of taxation toward the revenue . of this, country. Air Coates: You arc putting it on them now. The Prime Alinister: It affects 2400 persons. Air Coates: It goes a. long way further than that. The Prime Alinister: If we had gone as far as some mem Iters on the other side have said wo would be taxing half New Zealand. I am prepared to accept the statement of. a disinterested official as to the number affected as against the unanimous outcry of my friends opposite who have been trying to convert it into a hideous number. They say it is robbery. Mr Coates: A raider. The Prime Alinister: It is a blessing to this country to be relieved from the Administration of those who think as the right honourable gentleman does. Air Coates: Does the country think that? I The Prime Minister: I am quite sure

it does. I judge from my correspondence. Mr Coates: You are living in a fool’s paradise. The Prime Alinister: I am prepared to accept the soft impeachment of the right lion, gentleman, for lie has had more opportunity that I have had to live in a fool’s paradise. I submit these proposals with confidence to the country. Although a combined effort was made to stir up antagonism it’ was almost ludicrous to note the similarity between the meetings arranged—one day in the south, next day in the north, the next somewhere else, winding up with a fandango in Wellington, where they gathered the travelling representatives who were being used to proclaim to the world that the Government’s proposals in regard to land and income tax were not acceptable to the country. The .proposals are now submitted and 1 can tell by the feeling of the House that some members who are. going to vote against the proposals are praying to Heaven that something will happen in the interval to relieve them tiom placing themselves in such an invidious and unenviable position.