TAXTION ON RACING

Northern Advocate, 22 May 1929, Page 6

TAXTION ON RACING

EASEMENT SOUGHT. DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER. TO. ££ (Per Press Association .-■^-Copyright.) This Day. The deputation which waited on the, Prime Minister in regard to the Gaming Act amendment, also asked for a, reduction of taxation on racing clubs. It was stated that the Government received £564,798 while the clubs’ share of tote money, after paying expenses, was only £458,841.

In reply, Sir Joseph said the matter was very important and he could not be expected to give an oilhand answer that day. He was quite aware of the movement which the deputation represented. As Minister of Finance the importance of racing to the country was recognised by him. He had been looking closely into the financial position in the last few months, but the results would only be known when Parliament met. Some changes in the incidence of taxation would have to be made. He did not wish to commit himself, at the moment, as to what ho would do regarding the representations of the deputation, cither'as a member of the Government, or in his private capacity, but opportunity would be given for the representations made to be fully considered by the House, That was as far as he could go.

In any ease, his experience showed that it would not be a proper thing for him to bring down Government proposals. He took it that the deputation was not certain of the attitude of the House. He had analysed' the position and he could not ilnd that a majority of the House would be in favour of the change desired. However, lie would undertake to ascertain definitely what the feeling of members was. From all parts of the country he had received communications asking him to accede to the desires of the deputation, but he could not see his way to do that, nor did he think it reasonable for any one in his position to bo expected to do so. The representations made would be fully considered by the Government and the House would have an opportunity of considering the matter in detail during the coming session. Whatever influence the deputation could bring to bear, ho presumed would lie exercised. To a large extent the responsibility devolved, upon themselves, He knew his own course, but he did not know what the course of the Government or the House might be. The matter was of importance to the Government from a financial point of view and' he would see that the matter received consideration beforo the financial proposals were submitted to Pafliament next Session,

Speaking generally on the question of taxation, Sir Joseph Ward added: “Changes must be made in the incidence of taxation. That goes without paying. We cannot have a large deficit without taxing the necessary means to fill up the vacuum. In other words, ‘the position cannot be allowed to drift, because the year we are in brings its responsibilities of necessity. The whole question of finance has to be surveyed and reviewed and certain proposals submitted to Parliament in connection with it.”