WAGE TAX TO HELP FARMERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21349, 25 November 1932, Page 15

WAGE TAX TO HELP FARMERS

Sir, —In view of the fact that wages have not fallen in similar ratio to the prices of primary products, which embrace foodstuffs, it would be a fair thing to require wage-earners to help the farmers in their present plight. Instead of raising the rate of exchange, which obviously would have a boomerang effect on other industries, commerce, and the State, or making another drastic cut in wages as proposed, the fairest proposition would be another wage tax to provide subsidies for the pastoral industry. Such a tax ought to be on a sliding scale, for instance, all wages under £2 per week exempt; over £2 to £3, 3d in the pound ; over £3 to £4, 6d in the pound; over £4 to £5, 9d in the pound; over £5, Is in the pound. The wage-earners of New Zealand who are in regular employment, excluding, of course, those on relief work and those being rationed, have not been called upon to contribute much to balance the communal budget in these difficult days. It is true, there has been a 10 per cent cut in**wages, plus 5 or 6 per cent unemployment taxation, but to meet this there have been 50 per cent reduction in most foodstuffs, plus substantial reductions in rent, clothing and other necessaries. It is reasonable that all sections of the community should help to sustain such an important industry to our general welfare as is farming-in all its branches. F.J.D.