THE BUDGET.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIX, Issue 204, 30 August 1915, Page 8

THE BUDGET.

INTERESTING DEBATE

PROMISED

SOME MEMBERS THREATEN

TROUBLE

j>HOM OtTR CORRESPONDENT.]

WELLINGTON, Aug. 30

The debate on the Budget commences to-iiiorrow evening, and it is not anticipated that theframers of the proposals therein will have matters all their own way. Lobby gossip t-.iiiigests that there will be quite a lot of discussion on the Financial Statement. Several sections of the community arc up in arms -against the proposed taxation in some form or oilier, and these have their representatives in tlie House, who are prepared to champion the cause of their constituents i yen in the days of a Ni.tional Government.

A number of members of the legal profession aiv said to be antagonistic towards the proposals of the Government so far as they affect them.

Brewers operating south of Auckland are all deeply concerned with the proposals to tax their product as per worts. The contention with this section of the community is that' Auckland brewers manufacture a much lighter ale than those of the south, and consequently northern brewers will not be hit to anywhere near the extent that southern brewers are, all on account of the method af applying the tax.

The application of income tax to fanners is an<jther controversial topic. Borne Members representing farming communities say that it is better to do that than to increase the land tax. which would mean that every farmer would have to pay up notwithstanding his season, whereas as things are the f'inner is tared on his profits only. Sonic people say that the "Government wil! experience extreme difficulty in collecting the tax, as most farmers do not keep books, and some do not even keep banking accounts. However, the Government can well be left to see into that matter.

One thing that will have to be taken, into consideration will be the penny stamp-vending machine which is usually to be found cutside post offices. With lid postage in vogue the penny stamp will not be much in demand.