DISCUSSED BY FARMERS.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13792, 12 June 1915, Page 3

DISCUSSED BY FARMERS.

The-question of the,.imposition of a war-tax was discussed at the annual Nelson provincial conference of tho Farmers' Union yesterday afternoon, but, although members were- strongly of opinion that such a tax should be imposed, there was no unanimity as to tho method of levying it, and this was left to members of Parliament without any suggestion from the Union. The subject was introduced by a remit from tho Karamea branch :—"That, in the event of a war-tax being imposed, it should take the form of a percentage increase of all existing taxes.' A tetter was also read from the Marlborough branch of- the Fanners' Union, suggesting that tho war-tux should be raised by a universal tax on incomes. In moving the remit, Mr R. G. l unuicliffc (Kararaea) said that if the existing taxes were raised increased revenue would be received without altering the means'of'taxation. ■ Mr T. Bell seconded the remit pro. forma. . Mr B. M Field moved as an amendment that in order to provide the war-, tax the laud and income-tax bo iucrcas-: ed, an extra tax be.put. on luxuries, and at least 50 per cent tax put on goods imported from - present enemy -countries after the war. *Mr J r A, Guy seconded the amendment, and said tho British Empire should be supported in every way. He thought every person on the land should bear a portion of the tax whether ho 'be farmer or labourer. Mr Bell said that if the income-tax and land-tax only were touched, thousands of people would get off scot freo. He did not sog how the Government were going to impose an equitable tax, unless they lowered the'exemptions tr removed them altogether. Mr Eatwell .said there were thousands of people in New Zealand to-day who were ■ evading taxation. _ He thoughtthe Government should bring forward ii scheme of taxation which would touch every pcrsou in the Dominion.' .

Mr Whit.well said that tho main debts of the war should be met by direct taxation.''but he would not liko to see voluntary contributions discouraged. Mr Pi. G. Tunnicliffe, in reply, said tho idea of his branch was a graduated land and income-tax, the- increase to.be put upon those best able to bear it.

The amendment was lost,

Mr R. 0. Withers moved as another amendment, "That this conference supports the suggestion of a universal tax on incomes."

Seconded by Mr Eatwell, and lost. Mr Bell moved as an amendment that the Government be asked to impose a war-tax to bo levied on the present land and income-tax, and by lowering th« exemption on income to £150 and on the unimproved value of land to £200.

Seconded by Mr Mead Mr Dodson said that oven if the exemption was lowered as suggested by Mr Bell, thousands would still escape taxation.

Mr- Guy considered that every mar. should be made to pay. Ho pointed out that the labouring men received good wages, and had no risk of bad debts. A small tax should be collected from them as well. Mr 801 l did not think persons receiving under £150 a year should be taxed, as they were already paying their share of taxation through the Customs. Mr Bell's amendment was put and lost. The motion was then put and lost, and -rJie, subject dropped.