THE WAR EFFORT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24632, 13 June 1941, Page 4

THE WAR EFFORT

TAX FOR PATRIOTIC FUNDS CURTAILMENT OF RACING (Special) WAIMATE, June 12. Opinions favouring the imposition of additional taxation to provide funds for war purposes were expressed at meetings of two public bodies in Waimate. The local branch of the Farmers’ Union discussed the proposal to curtail racing, arid the Returned Soldiers’ Association criticised the slow growth of the Domion £1.000,000 Patriotic Fund. N “ I suggest that we ask the Government to increase the betting tax on the one hand, and to enforce the law on bookmakers on the other, so that the money will not be driven underground, the proceeds to go to the Patriotic Fund,” said Mr C. G. Verity at a meeting of the Farmers’ Union. “It is a crying shame that our men should be facing death for lack of equipment.” Mr J. C. Hay referred to petrol consumption by racegoers, in view of the suggestion by the president

of the Racing Conference (Mr A. S. Elworthy) to curtail racing as a war measure. “ The money will not go into a hole in the ground,” said Mr Hay when the revenue from racing was mentioned. “It will circulate in other channels, and the Government will get its rake-off by the sales tax and similar means.” The meeting decided to omit the reference to betting, and unanimously carried a remit for submission to the Provincial Executive supporting Mr Elworthy’s suggestion. Speaking at the meeting of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, Mr W. Jackson said it was a disgrace that, after all these months, only £600.000 had been raised towards the £1,000,000 Patriotic Fund. Some had given more than their share, while others had failed to contribute anything. Taxation was the only way; The suggestion was heartily endorsed by Mr J. J. O’Hara. “At the present time the willing horse carries the burden,” he said. Mr J. M. King said the Government conscripted men to fight, and it was the duty of the Government to. provide for the men, while fighting and on their return, out of the Consolidated Fund. He moved a resolution that voluntary giving as at present be more equally distributed by some light form of taxation on every form of income.

The resolution was carried on a show of hands.