WOMEN DISCUSS TAXATION

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 August 1946, Page 9

WOMEN DISCUSS TAXATION

NATIONAL COUNCIL REMITS Taxation formed the basis of remits supported by the Wanganui branch of the New Zealand Council of Women, which met last night. Support was given to the following remit, submitted by the Wanganui Business and Professional Women’s Club of the Y.W.C.A.: “(a) That in the case of a person of 50 years and over whose sole inicome is of the ‘unearned’ class and does not exceed £l5O per annum, such income be exempt from payment of the Social Security and National Security tax. (Note: This applies more particularly to single women who are in many cases in a worse financial position than those in receipt of a Social Security benefit.) “(b) That pensions derived from any superannuation scheme be exempt from Social and National Security tax up to the same amount as is allowed to persons receiving the age benefit, i.e., £lO4 per annum for a single person and £2OB per annum in the case of a married couple. (Note: The superannuitant is very often, after having made provision for his own pension, in a worse financial position than those who have made no provision for themselves, by reason of the fact that his pension is taxable, and that by contributing towards a superannuation scheme he has been unable to increase his savings.)

“(c) That the 33 1-3 per cent excess tax on ‘unearned’ income be removed. (Note: This form of taxation is to be deplored, discouraging as it does savings from wages and salaries, and the prudent, investment of the same.)”

Other remits passed were:— From Wanganui Housewives’ Association: “Now that we should have returned to peacetime conditions, we urge the return to normal procedure in the wrapping and sale of butter—each factory’s butter to be on the market in its own wrapper. First and second grade to be clearly marked.’’

From the Manawatu branch: “That as business firms, factories, etc., are required to observe Saturday holiday and the 40-hour week, no differentiation be made in the case of hotels, but that bars be closed on Saturdays and not be open for more than 40 hours per week.”

Mrs. Beaumont Bates presided at the meeting, which was held in the League for the Hard of Hearing rooms.

Mrs. Bates referred to the death of a member of the Auckland branch of the N.C.W.. Miss Ellen Melville, and read a tribute to her from the N.C.W. Bulletin, “A woman of wide vision and great mental courage.” The president also referred to the death of Miss Norah Sampson, and spoke of her fine character and good citizenship, saying she would be sadly missed. A letter of sympathy is to be sent to relatives. All stood In silence as a mark of respect. Mrs. Whitlock (treasurer), who submitted the financial statement, was Welcomed back after illness. Mrs. Chesswas read the minutes and the correspondence.

The president welcomed Mr. J. B. Cotterill, M.P., who gave a most informative talk on the Bretton Woods Agreement. He said he was pleased that the National Council had shown such a vital interest that they wanted to hear about it.

At the conclusion of Mr. CotterilTs address questions were invited and answered. The president, on behalf of members, expressed thanks to the speaker and said they had learned something of a difficult subject. Miss E. Newton endorsed the president’s remarks. Members showed their appreciation by hearty acclamation.

Mrs. Don Patrick, who is also leaving. Mr. Rountree said she had been a capable assistant for 18 months. In saying that Mrs. Gray had been fortunate in her assistants, also mentioned Miss Catherwood and Miss Peters. Mrs. Patrick was presented with half a dozen table knives and half a dozen desert knives from parents and committee, a jug from the Maoris, and a jam dish and spoon from the children.,

There was a large crowd present, including a number of ex-pupils. Poi dances and other items were given by the Maori children and Miss McCullough sang two songs. Dancing followed the social, Mr. C. Morrison being M.C. The wives of committee members were in charge of the supper.