Property Tax Exemptions.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 6243, 16 June 1890, Page 3

Property Tax Exemptions.

A NEW IDEA. “ J.D.8.H.” writes to the Post : —Now what is the duty of property, which, if it doos, it should escape taxation, and if it is neglected, it should be taxed. We must assume a certain quantity of property as necessary for the maintenance of each individual, say that represented by £IOO, and every £IOO worth of property which has maintained a man, woman or child should bo exempt from taxation. Let us see how this will work practically. The man with a wife and five children wilt claim seven exemptions, each new child will be another exemption, instead of another burden, for whom we must endeavour tp lay by a little something to give him or her a start in life, which effort, qnder the present system, will only render him liable to increased taxation. The thrifty bachelor will be encouraged to take a partner after accumulating a certain amoune of property, as he will thereby get another exemption. The owner of laud will be encouraged to employ labour

as he will claim an exemption for every man ha gives a living to. The owners of factories will be encouraged to employ labour ; each hand employed for the full year, at wages which will support the individual, will be a claim for exemption. How it will effect money lent will soon be settled by the law of supply and demand ; the real owner of the money must pay for its protection, and no doubt will do so gladly, when ho finds that property is only to bo charged with the expenses necessary for its protection and development.