PROTEST AGAINST MORE TAXATION,

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19098, 17 June 1930, Page 3

PROTEST AGAINST MORE TAXATION,

GOVERNMENT URGED TO CUT EXPENDITURE

Per Press Association. HASTINGS, June 17. Economy, greater production and less taxation were the keynotes struck by Mr J. S. M’Leod in his annual presidential address to the Hastings Chamber of Commerce. “Taxation,” he said, “is soon going to be an all absorbing topic. The Government has given a very emphatic warning that it is going to be increased. They increased it last year. Now they’re going to increase it further." It was particularly noticeable, however, that not one member of Parliament had suggested economy in administration. The Government should set an example by so managing its own affairs that it would achieve economies in managing the country. It was time the electors showed their conviction that Government expenditure had gone beyond the limit and could not continue unless the country were forced into bankruptcy. He condemned the land tax and reiterated that general taxation of income was the only fair system. If every person paid according to his income everyone would insist on economy in Government expenditure also.

It was time the Government reviewed the management of its Departments. There was evidence of much

wasteful expenditure. The Government’s functions had grown in a haphazard way, and there was need for curtailment. Whatever happened, he hoped that the Chambers of Commerce throughout the Dominion would do something to ensure that new taxation would not be as absurd as it was last year.