LANGISM

Wairarapa Daily Times, 13 May 1932, Page 5

LANGISM

MORTGAGE TAXATION BILL PASSED IN ASSEMBLY. Press Association Electric Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, Thursday. The Taxation, on Mortgages Bill, which levies a tax of 10 per cent, on every mortgage upon land or any estate or interest therein, was passed to-day by the Legislative Assembly. During an acrimonious discussion it was stated that debentures would come within the purview of mortgages and thus the Lang Government would levy on at least £200,000,000. It was estimated that an institution like the Australian Mutual Provident Society, which had mortgages secured on property in New South Wales exceeding £10,000,000, would be called upon to,pay the Government £1,000,000 within fourteen days of the passing of this Act.

The Bill is now before the Legislative Council, and its fate is expected to be decided in the early hours tomorrow. There is intense lobbying by Lang supporters to secure a majority. TENSE SCENES. SYDNEY, Thursday. There were tense scenes in the Legislative Council to-night during the debate on the Mortgage Taxation Bill, which is now believed will 'be carried by one to three votes, with the aid of the Federal Labour group, which earlier was solidly against it. Feeling in the city and at Canberra is extremely apprehensice. The Federal Government is preparing emergencies, and is expected to take extreme action to over-ride the measure if it is passed. SECOND READING CARRIED. (Received Friday, 5.55 a.m.) •SYDNEY, This Day. The second reading of the Mortgages Taxation Bill passed the Legislative Council by 48 votes to 43. Mr J. M. Concannon defended the Bill on the ground that, though it was drastic, it would alleviate the unemployment position which was still moie drastic. Opposition members declared that the Bill would produce industrial chaos, and would accentuate unemployment. Mr Coates, Leader of the Federal Labour .Party, denounced the Bill as one of which the Labour Party should be ashamed. There was an unprecedented scene in the House when the Vote was taken, early in the morning. The public galleries were filled to overflowing. The Government forces mustered in full strength, even Mr Hepher, who had not been in the 'House for years, was carried into the Chamber to vote. The Government’s victory was due to a split in the Federal Labour faction. VISITS POSTPONED. CANBERRA, Thursday. Mr Lyons cancelled his visit to Victoria for the election campaign as soon as news of Mr Lang’s new measure reached him. The Governor-General was also to have left for Adelaide, but announced that owing to “sudden and urgent public questions,” he would have to postpone his trip indefinitely. PROCLAMATION DEFIED. SYDNEY, Thursday. The Federal proclamation requiring the New South Wales Government officials to transfer moneys from specific sources to the Commonwealth came into operation to-day, but not one penny was received from any State official. It is now believed that the penalty clauses of the Enforcement Act will be applied. SECRET INSTRUCTIONS. (Received Friday, 8.55 a.m.) SYDNEY. This Day. Tho Federal Government’s garnishee proclamation was again defied yesterday no money whatever from State sources being paid over the Commonwealth Government. Mr Beardsmore, Chief Accountant of tho Lands Department, attempted to keep faith, and directed his officers to comply with the proclamation, but secret instructions arrived, ordering the proclamation to be disobeyed. Mr Beardsmore insisted that his directions should bo followed, and later he was politely invited to go on leave. TO PREVENT VICTIMISATION. (Received Friday, 8-55 a.m.) CANBERRA, This Day. A Dill to amend the Federal Conciliation and Arbitration Act has been introduced in thy Senate. It "ill en able the Court to de-register any trade union affiliated with subversive organisations either in Australia or beyond. It will also afford protection to loyalist railwaymen’s unions which had been in existence ever since the ME strike, which tho Lang Government seeks to victimise. STATEMENT REPUTED. (Received Friday, 9.35 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. In the Legislative Assembly Mr J. T. Lang said that the family endowment was not being paid because a banking account could not be opened through which the money could be paid. Sir Robert Gibson, Chairman of the Commonwealth Bank Board, issued a statement, refuting Mr Lang’s chaige that the Commonwealth Bank would not continue the endowment payments. He said that the letter quoted by the Premier was written three months ago, long before the Enforcement Act was

thought of and offered to provide payment facilities until loth August. NOTICE COMPLIED WITH. (Received Friday, 9.35 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The State Commissioner of Taxation has now complied fully with the terms of the notice from Mr J. A. Lyons, requiring him to hand over certain documents to the Deputy Federal Commissioner of Taxation. This will enable the Commonwealth Government to recover money from people who, although they have received State taxation assessment notices, have not paid the amounts to the Commonwealth Government. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. WILL NOT ADJOURN, (Received Friday, 8.55 a.m.) CANBERRA, This Day. It had been the intention of Parliament to adjourn early last night, .until Tuesday, but the position created by Mr J. T. Lang’s mortgage legislation has rendered this impossible. Mr J. A. Lyons stated that because of the position in New South Wales it decided that Parliament should carry on. Sir Harrison Moore, K.C., and Mr W. L. Ham, K.C., legal advisers to the Commonwealth Government, arrived at Canberra by ’plane, and had a long consultation with Messrs. J. A. Lyons and Stanley Bruce.