Tyranny Of State Benevolence

Northern Advocate, 28 July 1938, Page 7

Tyranny Of State Benevolence

[Special to “Northern Advocate:' j WELLINGTON, This Day. “Stability has become a legend, and security a myth,” stated Mr H. D. Acland, president of the New Zealand Sheepowners’ Federation, when movthe adoption of the annual report at the federation’s annual meeting yesterday. To all sections of the industry, he said, things generally appeared to be unstable, uncertain and uneasy, while unfortunately it would seem that an increasing number of persons were content to enjoy the fruits of the labour of others. Taking into account the taxpayers’ capacity, the Government’s programme must in the end prove unworkable, said Mr Acland. In the previous record year of 1928-29, production value was £126,600,000, and taxation £17,832,000. Last year production value increased by about £10,000,000 to £136,100,000, but taxation had increased disproportionately by over £19,000,000 to £36,860,000. If the proposed social services legislation was passed into law, the cost to the Dominion would be proportionately increased. Further dependence on the pocket of the taxpayer would be encouraged by unemployment provisions. “It would appear that unless we are very careful we may suffer severely from a tyranny of State benevolence, past the point of ability of the individual taxpayer to maintain,” said Mr Acland.