TAXATION REDUCTION.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20421, 24 September 1938, Page 3

TAXATION REDUCTION.

. NATIONALIST POLICY. Lighter PetroJ, Costs. WIRELESS LICENSE FEES. GOLD DUTY TO BE ABOLISHED. The heavy increase in taxation which lias been forced on the country under Labour rule, is to be lightened very considerably if the National Party is returned, to power, according to the statement made by the Leader of the Opposition in liis speech at Christchurch last night. Mr. Hamilton said: —

“The increase in total taxation since the Labour Government assumed office has been phenomenal, and easily con-

stitutes a record. Leaving out the unemployment tax, the Budget taxation figures for 1038-39 are £31,715,000.

“This is the actual result from a Government that wooed the electors last election with the promise that

taxation would not be increased as it was already overdone. “This Government will never let go

any taxation,” said Mr. Hamilton. “They love spending the money. In fact, their policy is to get all possible taxation and revenue into their own hands, so that they can aim at being the sole distributor of the nation’s wealth.

“And what of the future? On top of the phenomenal increase already mentioned, if they are going to provide for the unemployed as in the past, they will have to increase taxation next year by another £10,000,000.

“The National Party, on the other hand, stands for a reduction of taxation,” continued the speaker. “We believe the smallest amount of taxation possible should lie collected, consistent with the efficient carrying on of the proper funcions of a democratic Government. As a beginning, and to show our determination to reduce taxatim. we promise to reduce, or abolish, the folloAvinj taxes: —

“1. Unemployment tax on Avomen Avith income limit of £251.

“2. Gold duty, to help gold mining,

“3. Petrol tax by at least Id per gal lon.

“4. Radio license fees from 25/- to 15/-.

“This is an earnest of our ex pressed intention to leave as much spending power as possible in the hands of those earning the money. There is a false idea abroad that taxation is mainly paid by big companies and wealthy individuals. This is not

correct. The bulk of taxation is paid by the rank and file of our people.

“Taxation is one of the greatest costs burden. Any reductions will assist in keeping down the cost of living, which is so vital a factor in to-day’s family budget.”