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Otago Daily Times, Issue 16600, 25 January 1916, Page 6

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DEPENDS ON THE SUPPLY OP MEN. OBLIGATIONS MET SO FAR. iPu Uhtbd Phebb Association.) AUCKLAND, January 24. The Hon. W. F. Massoy was asked thi3 morning whether, in tile ervent of the (British Military Compulsion Bill being passed, his attitude in the matter of securing remlorcementa in the dominion would bo affected. He replied: "Not a bit. My attitude is perfectly clear; it all depends on the supply of men, which, up to tho present, has been sufficient to meet all obligations." Asked whether the adoption ol compulsion in England waa likely to modify the considered policy of the Cabinet, Sir Massoy said ho was not in a position to express any opinion. THE WEALTH ASPECT. GRADUATED TAXATION. (Peb United Pbess Association.) AUCKLAND, January 24Discussing the demands that have been made in some quartors for conscription of wealth, as well as conscription of men, the Hon. W. F. Massey said: "If they mean that Parliament and tho Government are to take possession of all wealth for war purposes, they are asking what is obviously impossible. • The amount taken compulsorily by taxation by tho legislation of last session is approximated at £2,000,000 per annum. If the war continues, more money will be required in exactly the same way. The people who are now asking for increased taxation will probably be tho first to sulfer if it is necessary to go further." In reference to tho demand for graduated taxation, the Prime Minister said that tho income tax was graduated. Many of tho larger firms and companies paid a higher rate of income tax, and also paid graduated land tax on their business premises. The ordinary land tax was not increased last session, but the graduated tax was increased all round 60 per cent., tho increases in some instances running into many hundreds per annum.