PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 September 1915, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. NEW BILLS In the House this afternoon, the amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Settled Land Amendment Bill were agreed to. The Savings Bank Act Amendment' Bill was introduced and read a first time. The Premier gave notice to move that on and after Wednesday Government business would take precedence. THE BUDGET DEBATE was., resumed by Dr. Newman, who regarded the Budget as a disappointment. He urged that a strong policy of economy and retrenchment was necessary, and considered it his duty to protest against large expenditure going on.- He objected to the taxation proposed, and considered that a tax of one per cent, on exports and imports should have been imposed, also a tax of one per cent, on profits on war contracts. He urged reduction of publie works, and also suggested the suspension of the Sinking Fund account. He strongly opposed the mineral oil duties, and thought £450,000 could be saved by careful economy. Enquiries should be made into possible reductions in the cost of living, Mr. J. Craigie favored a policy of economy. He approved of the principle of income tax for farmers, and advocated taxation of men who lent money. He considered land values were too high, and had largely been brought about by unrest amongst farmers. A slump was certain to come. He favored an export tax, but did not think all public works should be stopped. Mr. C. J. Talbot agreed that an export tax should be imposed, and ho also thought an import duty should be placed upon high valued goods, such as motor cars, expensive draperies, and furbelows. What was wanted was increased production, increased land settlement, and the propor cutting up of large estates. He condemned the proposal to tax •the salaries of civil servants. Mr. T. Field (Nelson) advocated reduction in public expenditure. He urged the House to give strong support to the National Cabinet. Mr. 'P. Webb urged that greater consideration should be given to the development of the mining industry.. He asserted that one of the most important industries was being strangled through the mismanagement of the State. He claimed that the Dominion owed a great deal to the work of the miner. While practically almost every industry in the Dominion was protected, gold mining, which had produced eighty-two millions, and was turning out one million pounds worth yearly, was left without any help worth speaking of. Not more than 30 per tent, of coal was being won from the mines, and millions, of tons were being left in the ground. Owners were picking out the eyes of the mines. He strongly urged protection against imported coal, and national ownership of mine?. Mr. E. Newman (Rangitikei) said that as extra taxation was required town lands should bo taxed equally with country lands. It would be difficult to ascertain / tlie profits made by farmers. He condemned the kerosene and petrol tax, 'but favoured a tax on expensive motor cars driven for pleasure.' He also thought the beer duty should be .doubled. Mr. J. 'Payne said he recognised that the formation of a National Cabinet was the right thing. He considered the Budget almost an ideal one under the circumstances. Ho objected to tho duty on kerosene. Regarding the taxation of farmers' profits he thought this was only equitable. Regarding the proposed increase of railway rates, he put in a strong claim for adequate treatment of workers. He favoured a State note issue, the profit so acquired to .be devoted to the construction of public works. Mr. J. 0. Coates said the Budget summed up concisely the country's position, lie objected to the tax on kerosene and petrol. Fishermen in his district would have to pay up to £3O per year as special tax on the latter. Tea could be taxed two police per pound, beer could be raised three half-pence, whisky four shillings per gallon, cigars and cigarettes increased, and liorseowners' winnings and piiluie shows might be taxed. The graduated tax should be applied to the town as well as to the country hinds. He recognised tho necessity for increase in railway rates, but lie had been informed that under the new rates Waikalo coal could not compete in Wellington with Newcastle coal, lie suggested that a dutv he placed upon Newcastle coal. Mr. Dickson (Chalmers) said the increased land tax should apply to town lands as well as to country holdings, lie protested against continual demands being made for roads and bridges which were not actual necessities. Doling out grants to local bodies was entirely wrong. Mr. F. Marnier said he was glad to notice that the Government had resolved to place the burden of the new taxation on those best able to bear it, and had wisely decided not to put an additional taxation on the working man, who was ttready siilVering from the effects of high prices. Mr. T. W. Rhodes (Thames) said the Budget had met with general approval, and differences of opinion were held only on minor details. The House rose at 12,12 a.i%