FOREIGNERS AND THE WAR TAX.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2581, 1 October 1915, Page 8

FOREIGNERS AND THE WAR TAX.

Sir J—There is a great deal of comment at present amongst all classes'ol the community in regard to the proposed new taxation; but there is on< class in New Zealand that are enjoying the freedom and protection of the British flag and are practically exempl from taxation. I mean the foreign artisans and workmen in other'capacitiea of every description. We have unmarried men of American, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Scandinavian, etc., birth and extraction who are exempt from being called on for active service, and who are working or willing to work for. less money and longer hours, aiid who are keeping British-born, and bred men out of employment. Should not these at this time'be called on to pay a substantial tax,' according to their income, for the freedom and privileges they are enjoying? Are they really true patriots who employ these men. when there are thousands of as good or better men in Britain that would gladly fill their places if they could afford the passage-money to come here?— Tani, etc., ■ONE OF BRITAIN'S SONS.

A QUESTION FOR M.P.'S. i Sir,—As one, who has thoroughly, gone into the matter, I would ask members of Parliament to discharge'a personal responsibility by ascertaining (1) What it takes to moderately fit out tliose wlio are entrusted with the lower commands of our Expeditionary Forces: (2) how far the present grant'goes; (3) what. serious results are involved. J would ask them to ascertain (1) Whe-ther-the present grant covers half the expense; (2) ■ whether tho amount. in Great Britain is two and a half times what it is here;: (3) whether the lack of the fighting part of tho equipment, which is generally dono without, results in loss of life far outweighing in actual pounds, shillings, and pence valuo what full fighting equipment (whicli should be absolutely compulsory and be provided by Government) would cost? The present position seems : to be, that the Department requires the backing of the representatives and trustees of-tho people in arranging, for fiill fighting outfit.—l am, etc., .EX-VOLUNTEER,