THE WEIGHT OF TAXATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18334, 26 February 1923, Page 6

THE WEIGHT OF TAXATION.

The taxation return tabled in the House of Commons gives the following present comparative figures per head of population: — UNITED KINGDOM. Direct. Indirect. Total, £10 10 0 £3 6 2 £13 16 2 FRANCE. £368 £210 0 £ 5 16 8 UNITED STATES. £ 2 14 0 £2 4 0 £ 4 18 0 So far as the United Kingdom is concerned, there is indicated a considerable reduction of direct taxation per capita from the amount collected in the year . 1921-22, although the amount is still considerably above that collected in the last pre-war year. In 1913-14 it was £3 10s per head in 1921-22, £18 4s. France has been notable for its low rate of direct taxation apart from the war years. There will doubtless be an attempt to reduce the United Kingdom's high rate'of taxation collected directly, for it has grown far beyond a reasonable limit. What shall be said of New Zealand's experience in recent years? Taking the last two years' taxation actually Collected, the figures are:— ?...#• ■■ 1921. W 'Direct. Indirect. Total. • £11" 4 7 £7 311 £18 8. 6 ' ' 1922. ' i £ 9 1 11 £4 11 2 £13 13 1 The burden of taxation being carried in New Zealand is much too heavy. It is far in excess of that borne in either France or the United States, and shares with the United Kingdom's load an unenviable distinction. A continuation of the present incubus can have nothing but a detrimental effect. Of course, needed revenue must be collected, and the war added inevitably to the burden; but with economy of administration there ' should be opportunity for appreciable reduction, and the case for an early decrease in direct taxation is particularly strong. Without a lightening of the load progress toward normal conditions in industry will be hampered. The fulfilment of the Prime Minister's promise of relief is eagerly awaited throughout the Dominion.