The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1932. THE WAGES TAX.

Southland Times, Issue 21661, 24 March 1932, Page 6

The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1932. THE WAGES TAX.

The proposal to increase the rate of the Wages Tax was generally expected, and it is anticipated that this impost will embrace the levy made on individual income which is not received in the form of wages. This form of income was taxed on behalf of the Unemployment Fund in the previous legislation and the rise proposed by Mr Coates will, of necessity, involve incomes. Under the new arrangements the subsidy from the Consolidated Fund will cease and this withdrawal must be set off against the prospective gain secured through the higher rate. At the same time reductions in wages will reduce the revenue to be obtained, but though the loss through the withdrawal of the subsidy may amount to £1,500,000 the new taxation will yield a return in excess of the total received in the year now closing. Certainly a larger yield will be needed, because Air Coates’s proposals envisage operations involving heavier charges on the Unemployment Fund. For the rural allotment scheme £1,000,000 is to be borrowed, but though the plan may put more men on the land it is extremely doubtful whether the results will be all that the Government hopes. Farms of ten acres in rural districts are not selfsustaining and those who occupy them will require to be assured of employment in order to carry on; but while this aspect may present difficulties at the moment the prospects for the future are good enough to justify the effort. Big settlement schemes involving a large capital outlay must be regarded with caution, especially with prices at a low level, and these form no part of the unemployment relief projects. People who talk easily of extensive settlement schemes requiring £20,000,000, overlook the problems involved in connection with placing inexperienced men on land, with very little capital, and facing a market on which even experienced established fanners cannot make ends meet. These questions would arise, of course, if the £20,000,000 could be raised. The citation of the war period loans as evidence of the country’s capacity to furnish the money, is rather foolish, because no attention is given to the, fact that during the war the trade balance favoured New Zealand and money was plentiful. To-day the trade balance is set the other way, and the money is not here for investment in Government securities, and if it were the repudiation theories put forward on eyery hand would make investors shy. Inflation to finance land settlement would increase local prjees, of course, and make more difficult the problems of the men induced to take up land under the scheme. Fortunately the Government’s proposals do not include these peculiar schemes. Relief for hospital boards which have had to bear heavier outlays to help distressed families is sound so long as the Unemployment Board does not make the mistake of jettisoning the expert knowledge acquired by these boards in the course of years of relief work. That those who are in employment and in receipt of regular wages should contribute to the relief of those who are out of work is sound, and while unearned incomes are made to bear a fair share of the burden the extra impost can be accented philosophically. The Government can meet much of the criticism about the higher return accruing to the investor as a result of the great value of money by operating through special taxation on unearned incomes, because in that way it makes no discrimination between investments and bases its levy on actual receipts. Underlying Mr Coates’s statement is the concentration of all relief under one authority, a wise move, and the enlargement of the efforts to apply relief work to rural activities as much as possible. There is no attempt to solve the unemployment problem on a permament basis: that is not the function

of the Unemployment Board or of the Minister of Unemployment. Any attack on basic matters is the responsibility of Parliament, which must be guided always by the knowledge that the major causes of unemployment in New Zealand lie outside of the Dominion and in past extravagance for which no one party and no single Government can be held responsible. To-day the Government’s duty is dual: to afford relief and prepare for the upward movement in prices, while eliminating extravagance in administration wherever possible. This report discloses action within the limits set by the functions of the Minister, and the higher levy must be accepted, especially as it must involve incomes which were brought under the tax last year.

The Southland Times will not be published to-morrow —Good Friday. A number of letters to the Editor have been held over owing to pressure on space. The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information; A rather vigorous depression moved on to New Zealand, its centre to-day having been located west of the South Island. Winds moderate to strong and of gale force in places. Northerly to westerly generally but southerly in the far south and gradually extending northwards. Seas in New' Zealand waters rather rough to rough. In the eastern Tasman Sea strong westerly winds, backing to southerly in the northern portion. Southerly in the southern portion. Seas rough. Weather unsettled, cloudy and misty. Further rains in most districts with some heavy falls, especially in the central portion of the Dominion where some flooding probable. Thunder in places. For failing to pay unemployment levies William Gellatly and James Price were each fined £1 and 10/- costs by Mr E. C. Lcvvey, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The mine manager of King Solomon Deep Lead, Ltd., has reported that the contract for the sinking of an airshaft at the mine has been completed, the contractors holing through to the underground workings at a depth of 168 ft. Salmon, which are eclipsing in size those of previous years, are now running in the Rakia, according to word received in Christchurch. Good catches of big fish are reported to have been secured last Monday afternoon and on Tuesday morning, one fisherman having landed 13 large fish. Over the Easter holidays members of the Gore, East Gore and Lumsden Scout troops will camp at East Dome, Cat tlty Flat. It is expected that there will be 70 attending the camp, under Commissioner W. Pierson. The troops will go in on Friday. On Sunday the camp will be open to visitors. The chairman of the East Gore Scout Committee, Mr C. Burrows, has donated a flag to the East Gore troop. An inquest touching the death of Margaret Kenneally, a widow aged 66, who resided with her daughter at 66 Liddel street, and who died suddenly on Monday evening was held yesterday before the Coroner (Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M.). After hearing the evidence of Dr Barclay, who conducted a post mortem examination, and of Annie Kenneally, a daughter-in-law of the deceased, the Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence that deceased died on March 21, death being due to heart failure following on diseased coronary arteries.

A discovery that may have an importantbearing on the research efforts to find an enemy of the blackberry has been made by Mr J. H. James, of Saies, North Auckland. He writes to the New Zealand Herald that a disease is rapidly spreading on the blackberry bushes in that district, and doing a considerable amount of damage to the plants. The leaves first show small yellow spots and then, underneath, become covered with a powder or dust of the same colour. This, in a short time, spreads over the plants and causes them to die.

The monthly meeting of the Southland Technical College Board was held last night' Mr J. H. Reed presiding over Messrs W. G. Tait, A. W. Jones, I). Galbraith and F. G. Hall-Jones. Owing to there not being a quorum present, no business was transacted. It was resolved to hold the next board meeting on Monday, April 4, when the Economy Commission’s report on educational matters is to be considered. Mr J. Hargest, M.P., is to be invited to attend.

A litter of discarded telegram forms can be found in any large telegraph office in New Zealand, says an exchange. It Is estimated that more than one-seventh of the forms printed are thrown away or converted into scribbling paper by the public. About 6,000,900 telegrams are dispatched in the Dominion annually, but another million forms are needed for the people who cannot write their messages at the first attempt.

Walter Ahfeld, described as a Christchurch bookmaker, who was arrested on Monday charged with carrying on the business of a bookmaker appeared before Mr Meldrum, S.M., yesterday, says a Westport Press Association message. He pleaded guilty and elected to be dqalt with summarily. He was fined £75. He had one previous conviction last year.

A young man named William Oliver, who was arrested at Bluff yesterday, appeared in the afternoon before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., charged with the theft at Wellington on or about December 25, 1931, of £2l in money and clothing to the value of £l. On the application of the police a remand until Wednesday next was granted, bail being fixed at £lOO,

The sporting attractions of New Zealand recently received publicity in both England and Canada. A prominent Piccadilly sporting goods firm made a window display embracing New Zealand deer heads, and mounted swordfish and trout. The trout and swordfish grounds in New Zealand were also the subject of a comprehensive article published in the February Issue of the largest Toronto sporting magazine, “The Thoroughbred Sports Review.”

One of the most interesting of the Easter holiday attractions will be the Fire Brigades’ demonstration to be held at Gore on Saturday. In all eleven brigades will be represented and from reports received it is expected that the displays generally will be of a very high standard. The events are of a particularly interesting nature and those who attend the demonstration can be assured of an excellent day’s sport. The demonstration will take place on the Gore School Domain, and both the Gore Municipal Band and the Gore Pipe Band will be in attendance. Hot water will be provided free to picnickers, while there will also be luncheon booths on the grounds.

In the Magistrate’s Court at Palmerston North, Burton Charles Waldegrave, was charged with negligently driving a motor car at Speedys Line, Ohakea on February 13 thereby causing the death of Mrs Christina Campbell Gilmour. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court at Palmerston North for trial. Bail being allowed.—Press Association 'message.

A proposal that the Associated Chambers of Commerce promote a petition of electors throughout New Zealand for the reduction by half of the number of members of the House of Representatives and the Legislative Council was endorsed at a meeting of the Pukekohe Chamber of Commerce last week. It was agreed that the proposal be submitted as a remit to the. half-yearly conference of chambers of commerce in Franklin district, to be held at Papatoetoe.

“A number of cases of having firearms without a permit have been before the Court lately, and it may be that the fines have not’been a sufficient deterrent —the view I take is that they can be and shall be increased.” These remarks were made in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court last week, by Mr E. Page, S.M., in fining Norman Alan Millar £3 for procuring the possession of a revolver without a permit. Cyril William Flighty was similarly dealt with.

“Concentrated beauty” is the description applied to New Zealand by Mr Hollister Sturges, an American tourist, who, arriving on the Mariposa, has just completed a short tour of the Dominion. "In 1090 miles,” he said, ''you have the farming lowlands of England, a little of the midwest American desert the alps of Switzerland and the fiords of Norway. All are very beautiful. In addition there are the scenic wonders of Rotorua and Wairakci, the unmatched beauty of Waitomo Caves and the marvellous fishing of Taupo and the Bay of Islands. Truly your country is a paradise for any holiday-maker.”

America, under the prevailing depression, is absolutely dazed, in the opinion of Mr W. A. Anderson, a prominent Sydney business man, who arrived at Auckland from Los Angeles by the Sierra (states the Auckland Star). Mr Anderson likened the United States to a pampered youth, accustomed to an income of £20,000 a year, who suddenly finds himself cut off without a penny. It was difficult to imagine a greater contrast, said Mr Anderson, than America as at the time of his last visit and America to-day. England had become accustomed to hard times and was standing up to the depression much better.

In what he described as his “Swan Song,” Mr 11. F. Penlington, addressing a meeting of over 200 primary school teachers last week at Christchurch, deplored the restrictions which were placed on teachers in regard to expressing their views on political matters. Quoting the report of the meeting of the Otago Education Board, in which the National Exjienditure Commission was criticized, Mr Penlington said it must be glorious to “be outside the profession when you can say what you feel.” His final words to teachers were: “Be strong and resolute; see the way, and, having seen it, go to the goal.” At a later stage in the meeting it was suggested, amid applause that Mr Penlington after his retirement, should give his services to the teachers by entering Parliament.

The following chiefs and chieftainesses arrived yesterday in connection with the celebration of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the Methodist Maori mission: Te Aho-o-te-rangi Pihama (Waikato), Rangipeka Karamaina (King Country), Paikea Henare Toka (Northern Wairoa), R.angi Tawhai (Hokianga), Airini Wereta (Chatham Islands), Wanairangi Toka (Taranaki), Te Uira Tu-te-ao (Kawhia), Mori Erihana (Otago), and Hone Wereta (Otaki). The party will give a most varied and instructive programme at .St. Peter’s Methodist Hall, Earn street on Saturday night, besides conducting the services on Sunday and a big after church rally in the Civic Theatre. The proceeds of the latter will be divided between charity and unemployment. Concerts given by the party at Mat aura and Gore have illustrated the versatile nature of the entertainment it offers. Apart from the excellent chorus singing, part- songs, and individual numbers, the party presents several clever sketches which give an insight into early settlement life and also into the life of the Maoris themselves.

'‘There has been a great, deal of excitement lately in political circles, and the passing of the new tariff Bill is recognized by most people here as the dawning of a new era for Great Britain and her dependencies,” writes Mr Albert Russell, a director of J. J. Niven and Company, Ltd, in a letter from London dated February 11. “Business generally has bucked up a little, but as far as I can see at the present time 1932 will be quite a hard year for the Mother Country. Iler national finances appear to. be in better order, and a bank manager here told me that he considered Great Britain had definitely won the world’s bankers’ war. “Unfortunately each country in the world seems to be seeking prosperity individually, but. the recognition must, come sooner or later that no one nation or country can stand alone. I have taken a great deal of interest in the unification of the British nation, linn believe that steps are now being taken quietly to bring this about by a conference of the heads of the British domraions, and when that occurs and a general policy of trading and finance is agreed to a very definite step in the right direction will have been taken.”—Dominion. See Railway advertisement this issue regarding train arrangements in connection with Riverton Races. (Advt.) Queenstown Regatta, Easter Saturday. Train leaves Invercargill 7.48 a.m. Return fare 14/2—Advt. RIVERTON RACES.—Travel by Train leaving Invercargill 10.0 a.m. Return fare 3/7. Mm 956 Messrs Lange Bros, wish to advise patrons that they will be serving all customers and depots on Saturday as usual. Mm 965 At last Easter is here, and just time to buy our great value eggs and chicks at 2d, at Ayson’s two shops, Dee street. Open all day Saturday. (Advt.) Don’t forget a Tube of Tooth Paste and a new Tooth Brush for your Easter Holidays. Thomson and Beattie, Ltd., offer a large assortment of Pastes and Brushes at extremely moderate prices. Fancy Section. (Advt.) Books at liquidation prices at the N.Z. Book Depot Ltd., Esk street: Latest 2/6, Reprint Novels now 1/9, 3 for 5/-; Ivanhoe (beautifully illustrated library edition) 10/-, now' 7/6; Outdoor Games 6/-, now 2/6; Maeterlinck’s Classics 4/6, now 2/-; Goodwill Envelopes (with Invercargill views) fid packet, 3 packets for 1/-. Remember, everything reduced this month except mazagines. (Advt.) It’s lovely in the morning When the birds begin to sing Hitchon's bacon fried with tomatoes It’s a breakfast fit for a king.—Advt. "What perfect pictures!” Clear, bright sparkling snaps that will smile up at you from your album, years after you place them there. That’s the kind you get from BROWN’S PHARMACY. Careful developing of course is the first requisite for good pictures. And after that good printing. We use only the famous VELOX PAPER, so wonderfully graded to meet all amateur requirements. So when we get a flat dull negative, we use VELOX “Regular,” or for one with harsh contrasts we choose Velox “Special.” Others we print on Velox "Medium.” Result —a perfect picture from every negative and more pleased customers for BROWN, THE CHEMIST, 125 Dee street. —Advt.

Garments for Holiday Wear. Lower Prices for Ladies’ Vests, Bloomers, . Corselettes, Brassieres and Hosiery, at Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Dee street. (Advt.) Wool Suits for the small boys priced from 9/11, 11/6, 12/6 to 22/6 at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee Street. —Advt. You are invited to inspect these bargains, newest Suits and Overcoats all reduced in price. Genuine £5 5/- Worsted Suits reduced to £3 15/-.—Carter’s Make Room Sale. See advertisement front page.— Advt. You are invited to the N.Z. Book Depot’s Liquidation Sale. Such prices as these give you an idea of the bargains awaiting you: Quality Writing Pads were 1/- now Bd, 3 for 1/9; Boxes of Wedding Invitations, were 3/- and 3/6, now 3d box; Popular 2/6 Reprint Novels (for holiday reading) now 1/9, 3 for 5/-; The Romance of Commerce (Gordon Selfridge) was 13/6 now 10/-. To every purchaser of 10/worth of books a book is presented free. Address: Esk Street. (Advt.) AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS. For Best Results, let STEWART’S PHARMACY Do Your DEVELOPING AND PRINTING. -Advt. HOW TO SOOTHE WHOOPING COUGH. Parents need never hesitate in giving Baxter’s Lung Preserver to children. In the cose of whooping cough, keep the child warm and give “Baxter’s” as directed on the bottle. This rich, warm, soothing compound quickly relieves inflammation and permits comfortable breathing. Its unique tonic properties will also hasten the child’s recovery. V ’ Children like taking “Baxter's” and that alone is a big help. Never be without “Baxter’s.” 4/6. family size. A.lso 1/6. and 2/6. at all chemists and stores.—Advt.