LEVY ON FORTUNES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16907, 5 December 1922, Page 7

LEVY ON FORTUNES.

4. A SWISS REFERENDUM. COMMUNISTIC THREATS. By Telegraph—Pr**ss Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received December 0, 9.10 a.m.) GENEVA, December 4. 4” he referendum on a proposal to make a levy of from eight to sixteen per cent on all fortunes Over 80,000 francs aroused the greatest excitement throughout the country. The frontiers were specially guarde 1 for a fortnight to prevent the entry of foreign revolutionaries, in view cl the Communist threat to call a general strike on polling day. The Government announced that in that even* ii would mobilise the army, calling out the majority of workers. Th- - * civic guards were also held in readi ness, in the event of Communists attempting demonstrations. Rolling day passed quietly. A referendum, by an overwhelming majority, rejected tlio Socialist pro posal to introduce a Bill in Parliament providing for a capital levy. Iso single canton voted in its favour. BRITISH LABOUR VIEW.

Br Telecranh Pro*« Association—Copyright Australian and N. 7. ( able Association. (Received December f>. 9.10 a.m.) LONDON. December 4. Mr Ramsay Macdonald, leader of the British Labour Party, in an interview- said that the Swiss levy sc hem * was different from the Labour Party’s scheme. “ 1 would hare voted against it myself.” he said. “The Swiss aim was to use th<- lerv as a basis for old age incapacity. The insurance scheme levy was only justifiable to reduce dent and taxation.” M>* J. R. dynes stated: “Notwithstanding the Swiss decision. T believe that the levy question in any country ought t-o be decided by n referendum.’’