VOICE OF THE PRESS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXX, Issue 20165, 20 July 1935, Page 9

VOICE OF THE PRESS

NEW ZEALAND OPINIONS The Sales Tax The ground upon which the sales tax is irksome to tradespeople must rather be a recommendation of it to the Government, since it means that the revenue comes very easily to its hand. Indeed, the sales tax fulfils in a manner which the Government is likely to appreciate fully two rather important canons of taxation —it is easily collected, and it is prolific in its return of revenue. Moreover, as economic conditions improve, the tax may be expected to become still more productive. Thus, while it is possible to sympathise very sincerely with the objections raised by the commercial community against the sales tax, it is difficult to share any anticipation that its members may have that the Government will be prepared to abolish this impost, even though representations urging it to do so may include the argument that when taxes are being removed the latest form of taxation should be the first to be abandoned.—“Otago Daily Times.” New Markets How .far it will be considered necessary to' develop the agricultural and pastoral industries in Great Britain is not at present apparent, but if the matter is taken up seriously as a national question, it is probable that New Zealand will have to look abroad for trade with more decision than she has hitherto put into her exploratory methods. A change of governments would make a difference, particularly if a Liberal or Labour Administration came into power. The cheapness of the article to the consumer counts for most with these parties, and in all probability bolstering up uneconomie industries would appeal to them so little that the policy of the National Government would be completely reversed. In the meantime, however, it would be wise to ascertain if thera are other outlets for our exportable surplus in Europe and the Far East, We believe salvation will come from Japan and China, where millions are already accepting western ideas and western tastes.—“ Southland Daily News.” Children and Relief The finding of cases of want ot nourishment and the relieving of such distress are matters concerning which there exists a system that is as thorough as it can be made. For the last month or a little longer the Unemployment Board officers have been authorised to give extra rations in the shape of food and medicines wherever the necessity is shown, and a scheme of co-operation is in force whereby cases of the kind are sought out, inquired into, and immediately relieved. The officers of the Health Department, the medical officer of health for schools and her nurses, and the Plunket Society are systematically in touch on this matter, and their conversations on the subject must lead to an effective check of the troubles arising from hardship. The inquiries go further than the schools. Families in which the children are not of school age are brought within the scope of relief, and mothers who are denying themselves proper food so as to give of what they have to the children are not overlooked.—“ Dunedin Star.”