8.—20 a

1903. NEW ZEALAND.

LAND AND LAND-TAX.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated the 4th August, 1903. Ordered, "That there be laid before this House a return giving an estimate of the value of land on whioh land-tax would be payable if the exemption were abolished."—(Mr. Ell.)

Return. Total unimproved value of land in New Zealand liable to landtax (as per Table No. 2, 8.-20) ... ... ... £70,524,604 Add increase for boroughs revised in 1903 ... ... ... 4,000,000 £74,524,604 Note. —Under the present land-tax, however, it must not be supposed that this total would be liable to tax. The question of the mortgages so complicates matters that it is impossible to say how much tax would be obtained by the abolition of the exemption. John MgGowan, Land and Income Tax Department, Commissioner of Taxes. Wellington, Bth August, 1903. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing 11,425 copies). 18s. 6d,

By Authority : John Mackat, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o3. Price 3d.]