WHY NOT TAX THEM?

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 578, 7 October 1932, Page 5

WHY NOT TAX THEM?

Activities of Public Body Concerns. MINISTER SYMPATHETIC. * Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, October 7. Referring to the taxation of competitive public concerns, the Minister of Mines said yesterday: “We will probably get it in the course of time. When we get over this blizzard we will reach a time when your representations will receive more consideration.” The Minister (the Hon C. E. Macmillan) was speaking at a luncheon given by the directors of the Wellington Gas Company to visiting delegates to the annual conference of the Gas Companies’ Association of New Zealand. The chairman, Mr G. Fitzgerald, referred to existing exemptions enjoyed by State and public body concerns trading in competition with private companies, and he stressed the serious effect which this had on the development of the gas industry. The Minister said private companies had made large dividends in the past and had doubtless provided for the future. “ You suggest that I should consider whether some taxation should be put on electric power boards,” said the Minister. “ All I can say is that I must refer you to the Minister of Finance, and. he will probably refer you to the National Expenditure Commission. I agree that' to a very great extent these concerns should be subject to the same taxation as you are.” (Applause.) The Minister said he always had advocated that as far as possible a standard balance-sheet should be required from power boards and public trading concerns. This would permit comparisons to be made.