TAXES AND RAILWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20303, 10 July 1929, Page 13

TAXES AND RAILWAYS.

PARNELL' MEMBER'S VIEWS.

MAKING THE FARMERS PAY.

SOUTHERN LINE SUPPORTED.

[r»V TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL. REPORT EH.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday.

Opposition "sharpshooters" found iu Mr. 11. 11. Jenkins (Parnell) an irresistible target when he resumed his speech in (he Address-in-Beply debato in tho Houso of Representatives this afternoon. Armed with a sheaf of notes, Mr. Jenkins essayed to cover a wido range, but his remarks on taxation and railways disturbed tho tranquility under which a new member's first speech is usually delivered.

Mr. Jenkins said no doubt (he Labour members would bo pleased with what ho was going to say on taxation. Taxation was borne largely by the wage-earner and middle-class man, and why, ho asked, should New Zealand get off with a maximum of 4s 6d when other portions of the Empiro paid up to 10s, and possibly more. Mr. Jenkins, who earlier in his remarks had been emphasising tho value of tho primary industries to New Zealand, expressed the hope that tho present Government would place on the farmers the tax that was taken off them.

Farmers' Larger Incomes

Mr. A. M. Samuel (Thames): But didn't you say that was tho main industry ?

Air. F. Laiigstouo (Waimariuo): Tho "tockics" won't like that.

Railways and Motors,

Mr. Jenkins said since tho tax had been removed tho exports of wool had increased over 50 per cent. "If tho owners' incomes have doubled there is plenty of room for us to work there and get our additional taxation, which to-day is largely being derived from customs," suggested Mr. Jenkins. " 1 expect Reform members will bo pleased at what I have to say regarding railways," Mr. Jenkins proceeded. "Watch your step," counselled Mr. R. Seniple (Wellington East). Mr. Samuel: Oh, ho is a good mixer. Railways and Motor-Oars.

The expectation that Mr. Jenkins was about to criticiso the Government's railway construction programme was not fulfilled, however. Instead, he proceeded to quote in rapid succession figures relating to increased working costs, number of miles laid and accidents. "But," ho added, "if it comes to a diviison in this House 1 /mi voting with the Government, because I realise tho Reform Government failed to do anything and the people generally voted this Government in ou its. railway policy." Mr. J. A. Nash (I'alincrston): Are you supporting tho South Island Main Trunk railway '!

Air. Jenkins: That is (ho only one I would support if I supported any. Mr. Nash: Then you don't know where you arc

Mr. Jenkins allirmcd his belief that railways had no chance of competing against motor-cars ou gootl roads.

Mr. Samuel: But you would still vote for (lie South Island Alain Trunk railway 1 Government's Many Policies. Mr. Jenkins: The Government has many policies to commend it. Reform Alembcrs: Yes; many. (Laughter.) Mr. Jenkins: I endorsed what it did at Palmerston North and Rotorua, but I would like to see the South Island Alain Trunk built. Mr. Jenkins added that (ho trouble with railways was that the cost of construction usually greatly exceeded the Public Works estimate, thus making him nervous about, such figures. If railways could be built reasonably within the Public Works estimate, he would not mind. In regard to (ho South Island Alain Trunk railway there was a national and possibly a military aspect.

Reform Members: Oh! Mr. Jenkins: Yes. There may be a time when wo will want to shift, munitions and foodstuffs in the quickest possible v.av.

Mr. W. E. Parrv f Auckland Central) Oil, don't talk like that.