COMING LEGISLATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 762, 19 July 1923, Page 6

COMING LEGISLATION.

REDUCED INCOME TAX

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 18. Speaking at the annual conference of the Council of Agriculture to-day, Mr Massey said that he had always thought the proper thing for a Government to do was to assist the primary producers in every possible way. In doing so, the Government was assisting the whole community. That was the line he had taken and was endeavouring to follow now. As the result of the increase in our primary products and our exports the country was in a good position to-day. Compared with other countries, New Zealand was now in a position to be envied. Last year we reduced our indebtedness by a million and a-half, which was something to be proud of. In a few years we liad doubled our exports, which now totalled fortyseven millions. He pointed to the splendid position of our. revenue and revenue-producing assets. The application of Nauru phosphates had materially assisted and increased production.

Referring to advances to settlers, he said that the Government was in a much better position to assist settlers to-day than it was 12 months ago. The amount that could be advanced would be increased under the new legislation to £3500. Legislation would be submitted to Parliament to put the soldiers on the land in a much better position than they occupied today. They should as far as possible remove the taxation imposed for war purposes. He hoped to reduce the 7s 4d maximum income tax to ss.