WAR TAXATION.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2522, 24 July 1915, Page 3

WAR TAXATION.

>'■ ■ (To the Editor.) ; . . ..Sir,—A' deputation introduced to the Prime Minister on the 14th instant by Mr. Walker, M.P., in discussing the probability of increased taxation, urged on behalf of those who earn their living i by manual labour, exemption from extra burdens. Ido not wish to bo harsh,' nor to unnecessarily belabour any class, but it does seem to .me that with the prospect of having to find ' additional revenue to'repair the wastage occasioned by a struggle that may involve the liberties of every citizen of the Dominion, tho request of the spokesman of the deputation to exclude manual workers from any sohemo propounded for raising further money, and pass tlio whole load on to tho "other follow," is the very acme of selfishness. Recognising, then, that tho outcome of the awful contest in which tho nation is now engaged is fraught with sufth momentous issues to every one without distinction, moro . manly independence and true patriotism would have been manifested had Mr. Paul represented tho ease somowtat In this way,: "We recognise that increased taxation would appear to be imminent; that it is the duty of the community as a whole to face the situation, therefore wo are prepared to do our part, but we would ask you to bear in mind that wo do not represent the wealthy, and trust you will in that caso 'temper the wind to the shorn lamb.' and-mako our share of tho burden as light as possible, and in proportion to that imposed on those moro able to bear it." There would, I think, have been a dignified self-sacrificing patriotic ring about a representation couched in such terms. It would, at any rate, have proclaimed recognition of a fact surely by this time patent to every intelligent person, that this is a time for sacrifico on the part of all classes, if we are to retain tho privileges wo have as a people so long enjoyed. It is quite conceivable that if this war should.end disastrously for us, tho class represented by the , deputation would be moro severely punished than any other, and in that case they are being degraded by the suggestion, that they should not be invited to tako a part in providing for their own protection, but bo content to shelter themselves behind a section of the public frequently stigmatised by their leaders, at all events, as in every 'way inimical to their welfare, • and therefore, only worthy of being regarded as enemies of their class! What ail _ undignified and unworthy position for independent Britons to occupy I The liberty and life of every subject of the Empire, workman or idler, are at stake at this most critical tiino, and. every individual, helonging, to one class or tho other, who is not prepared to subscribe something, however small, to help to avert a calamity that would mean'annihilation' to us as a people: is a traitor to tho country. If leaders fail to impress this on those whom they are supposed to guide, it is to be hoped that tho Government and Parliament will bo strong enough to point unhesitatingly to whero tho path of duty lies. There must not bo any shirkers. When the matter of war taxation .comes to be considered, it is to be hoped iat the Minister will striko out on a new course, and seek for what must bo a special and possibly a temporary tax, in directions not hitherto explored, and that ho will freely invito suggestions before finally deciding. It is astonishing the various methods that could be resorted to to ensure a general and quite equitable contribution.—l am, ct °" TAX. _ Wellington, July 23.