TAXING BILLS PASSED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 260, 1 October 1936, Page 11

TAXING BILLS PASSED.

WITH MINOR AMENDMENTS. INSTALMENTS CLAUSE CHANGED Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 30. Amendments to the Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill were introduced by Governor-General’s message in the House ot Representatives today. Hon. AV. Nash, explained that one amendment provided that the exemption of £2lO should not apply to a public atuliority, such as the Public Trustee. The second amendment made it optional on the part of the Government to demand income tax by instalments. Tlie House devoted a large part of the afternoon tu discussion of written answers to questions. At the conclusion of the discussion Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage moved that urgency be accorded tlie passing of the Land and Income Tax (Annual) Bill and the Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill. ■ This was challenged by the Opposition, hut was carried by 44 votes to 17, and tlie House went into Committee to consider the clauses of the Bills. ■After a considerable debate a division was called lor on clause 2, which fixed tlie rates of land tax, but the clause was retained by 39 votes to 13. The clause fixing tlie rates ot income tax was also challenged, but was passed by 37 votes to 15. The schedule was also carried by 3G votes to 14. The Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill was then considered. The short title was covered after about an hour's discussion. Clause 7, which provides that the unemployment tax should not he deducted from income, was challenged, lint was retained by 38 votes to 15. A division was also called on the Minister's amendment providing that income tax may he made payable in instalments, but the clause was added by 38 votes to 15. CASES OF HARDSHIP. Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates then moved an amendment to provide that a commission should be set up to inquire and report as to any cases of hardship that may arise from imposition of the land tax, and give the Commissioner of Taxes power to refund the whole or any portion of the tax if the Commission reports that hardship was entailed. The amendment was defeated by 38 votes to 15. The Minister’s amendments were agreed to. Both Bills were read the third time and passed. Mr Nash said the House could rest assured that, if hardship were entailed through the payment of tax, pressure would not be exercised. The tax due in February' next would not be asked for before February.