THE UNEMPLOYMENT BILL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20621, 21 July 1930, Page 12

THE UNEMPLOYMENT BILL.

Sir, Please allow irie a little space to comment upon the proposed pdl tax. In England the "unemployment dole" has ruined the entire country, and more especially has ruined the mir.ds of the young men and women, by supplying them with money to squander. This in a sense is. disgusting, so also wul it fce in New Zealand when this unjust taxation upon the males becomes law. It is beyond me to see or understand where the justice of this me:hcd of taxation comes about "God's Own Country". I am afraid has lost its wonderful attractions in many ways, and for a working man it is becoming worse and worse. The cure for unemployment would bo to reduce high salaries. If fbis ?k>ll tax is to be levied, then let. it be levied in correct proportion io salary, when I am sure a fair thinwould be a fair thing. Tk.v Yons Colonial.

_Sir, —The Government has presented 8» Unemployment)Bill to Parliament which appears to be in the right direction. But instead, of making every male over 20 years of age pay 30s per year, I would suggest that the payments be made on ;i sliding scale on salaries, say, those earning £IOO to £250 pay 5s per year; £250 to £4OO, pay 15s ; £4OO to £550, pay £1 10s i £550 to £650, pay £1 17s 6-1;" £650 td £BSO, £2 ss: £BSO to £IOOO. pay £4; ovcy £IOOO, pay £5. I would make the abovA apply to females who have only tTiemj selves to keep, or if married, and theis husbands and themselves both- earning I would add 50 per cent, to each of theiu payments under tlu> above heading.A, Again, I would cancel all present permits for art unions and substitute State loti teries or State-run ait unions, giving goori prizes, all profits to go to the unemploved! fund to find work for the genuine un'eml ployed—let. the'professional starve if hJj will not work. The expenses could be cut) down by half in running the lotteries, and) onn could be run every month. It would! soon stop thousands of pounds from goim; out of New Zealand annually, and I think the Government would get the surprise of its life, by the size of the investments and profits it would derive from sarin % Do not be afraid of the racing clubs, book} makers or those who cry "Gambling."? Tho racing clubs and bookmakers will stili get their little lot. and the Government* will get what at present- goes to Tasmania. Iho toialisator is legal, so why not make the lottery legal? Faiu.