THE TAXATION PROPOSALS

Western Star, Issue 1575, 1 July 1891, Page 2

THE TAXATION PROPOSALS

The Parliamentary reporter of the Evening Star remarks concerning Sir G. Grey and tbe Taxation proposals. —Tbere was a long interview last night betweeu tbe Premier and Sir G. Grey, and from tbe latter I learn be has not committed bimself to any extent on tbe taxation proposals. He is of opinion tliat tbe Government will give way on material points as regards tbe incidence of taxation by completely exempting improvements under the tax, and by so modifying tbe income tax as to cause it to press loss heavily on those engaged in trade and commerce, thus relieving the people of the colony from taxation. He considers that they really ought not to pay. In Sir G. Grey's opinion the Government proposals arc in the right direction, but do not go far enough, and if satisfied regarding the support he may expect in carrying out his own views he will move in that direction. There is, Sir George says, a general disposition on the part _of the Government to make taxation proposals the best hi the interests of the country without any considoration of party lines, and be therefore anticiI pates that matters of difference will be settled amicably. He makes no I secret of his annoyance with the man- | ner in which the conduct of the | financial debate has been agreed to by the two sides of the House—viz., that speakers follow each other in a certain order fixed by tbe whips. The member for Newton fears that by not enabling leading meu of independent views to place their arguments before the House at an early stage of the debate some members may be led to pledge themselves to a particular course of action. None of his immediate friends have been afforded an opportunity of speaking yet. Personally he had no chance, and Mr Rees, who he is particularly anxious should have early opportunity of expressing his views, has been prevented from placing them before tho House by arrangements entered into day by day. This forenoon Sir George Grey made a special request that Mr Itecs should be allowed to speak this evening, and was informed that other arrangements had been made which could not be altered. Strong representation* on the subject hav*> been made to the Premier, who, with the view of ensuring co-operation, wil 1 probably see that Sir G. Grey and Mr Rees have an early chance of putting their views before the country. It* gar.liug the line of argument Sir G. Grey contents himself by saying that bis views are well known to the colony —viz., a land tax pure and simple, and an income tax based on very different lines to that proposed in the Financial Statement.