HAVING IT BOTH WAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23338, 5 May 1939, Page 8

HAVING IT BOTH WAYS

As they sadly gather experience in this life, most people are forced to conclude that they cannot have it both ways. Mr: Savage's Government, however, being above and beyond ordinary human limitations, intends to try to' eat its cake and have it. In some directions, most unfortunately, the political wizards have failed to do the trick. Mr. Nash, for instance, has had to lock up some of the import cake and to advise the people to save more of what they may have. In spite of this confession of defectivo Government magic, Mr. Nash is trying again to have it both ways. This time it is as tax gatherer for social security, truly a most exacting business. In the pamphlet issued for the guidance of farmers, Mr. Nash on page 6 assesses the weekly value of a farm worker's food and lodging for tax purposes at 20s, and on page 10 assesses the same items for tax exemption purposes at 12s 6d. The worker is taxed on 7s 6d a week more than the amount for which the farmer is allowed. Either one or the other has a solid grievance, and both will probably raise it in the most acute manner, and with entire justification. Perhaps that explains why Mr. Nash has taken a sudden trip abroad and would have flown if he had not so much baggage to take with him. Mr. Savage and Mr. Parry have been left with the portfolios of finance and social security to explain this choice example of doubledealing. Their task would be made easier if they rendered the farmer speechless once and for all by demanding income and social security tax on the profit of 7s 6d weekly he is presumed to be making on his worker's board and lodging. Thus they could improve on Mr. Nash by having it three ways. Quite seriously, however, the Government is making a bad mistake if it thinks it can victimise with impunity the hard-working people on the land.