The Pahiatua Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 1934. BURDEN LIFTING.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12732, 24 August 1934, Page 4

The Pahiatua Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 1934. BURDEN LIFTING.

When the rumour circulated in Pa.hiatua a few days ago that civil servants were to receive a. partial restoration of their salary cuts the possibility was discounted by the man in the street unless the Government made some similar concession to the general body of taxpayers. Now, with the presentation of the 1934 Budget m the House test night by the Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Finance, comes the welcome disclosure that both courses were pursued. The fact that the country is in a position not only to reduce the wages tax from Is to lOd in the £ but also to restore to its servants a five per cent, salary cut is welcome news Indeed. The 2d off the wages tax may not make an awful lot of difference to the income of the average earner but the gesture is a decidedly heartening one to a community which has hitherto enjoyed few such dispensations. In accordance with a promised undertaking in those days of deepest depression the Government is not unmindful now of the loyal sacrifice made by its employees who suffered heavy salary reductions. The first opportunity has been taken to fulfil these obligations and few will cavill at the fact that the concession has been made retrospective as from April Ist. Should the economic situation continue its present improvement (and there is every sign of tliis) the confident expectation of tlie Minister for ai» £B.OOO surplus may conceivably be exceeded and a year from now the country should be in a position to repeat the taxation relief measures to an even more appreciable extent. The Budget lepresents a distinct encouragement to all classes. It marks, quite definitely, the first tangible proof that the country is rapidly overcoming its difficulties and if that be true the burden for the individual must likewise be lifting.