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Otago Witness, Issue 3823, 21 June 1927, Page 48

Payment of taxes is an irksome duty, but it is one of those things that have to be done in the interests of the State (remarks the Wellington Evening Post). Tile halcyon days may come 'when every one will be living tax free, but in the meantime the only thing left is to live in hope, either that taxes will lie abolished or that they will be shifted on to the shoulders of somebody else. Proposals in connection with taxation-may come before Parliament this session. The amusements tax is one of the items which go to swell the coimtry’s revenue, although some relief in its incidence was given three years ago by making it applicable only to those cases where the admission charge is two shillings or more. It may not be generally known that the tax is leviable on the actual price of season tickets. Some Rugby football unions were of the opinion that the tax was not payable in respect of season tickets, but it has been pointed out that section 6 of the Act says: “Where the payment for admission to an entertainment is made by means of a lump sum paid as a subscription or contribution to any club, association, or society, or for a season ticket, or for the right of admission to a series of entertainments, or to any entertainment during a certain period of time, the amusement tax shall be paid on the amount of the lump sum.” His Honor Mr Justice Sim has granted probate in the estates of the following deceased persons:—William Flannery, of Waikouaiti (Mr W. L. Moore); James Cook, of Dunedin (Mr W. L. Moore); and Ellen Luke, of Anderson’s Bay (Mr W. L. Moore).

A building of beautifully-carved timbers has been secured by the Government in Ohinemutu for the display of carvings and other arts of the Maoris in connection with the establishment of a school in Rotorua for the preservation and teaching of Maor. arts and crafts, and adjoining it is an office fitted up for the director (Mr H. Hamilton) and his staff. During his visit to Rotorua the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. R. F. Bollard) inspected the sites that had been suggested for the proposed school. Evidence is not lacking that the Maoris of Whakarcwarewa and Ohinemutu are taking a keen interest in the project. Already there is displayed in the Government’s building in Ohinemutu a goodly assortment of articles showing the fine craftsmanship of the old-time Maori, and many visitors to the district have viewed the collection. Referring to the school, Mr Bollard said that the Government was anxious to get matters completed as early as possible. “There is no doubt,” added the Minister, “that the aim in view is a worthy one. The arts of the Maori are certainly deserving of preservation, and all those gentlemen connected with the board of Government set up under the legislation of last session are sharing the keeness of the members of the Cabinet to see the school established and in full working strength. It is notable, and augurs well for the future, that the Maoris themselves are equally enthusiastic.”