General Election

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 25, 24 October 1942, Page 8

General Election

Sir, —In fairness to slr. Holland, who recently clearly defined his attitude toward a general election, it should be explained that when the Prime Minister announced yesterday that Parliament would reassemble on December 2, it was myself, not Mr. Holland, who interjected. “Is there no chance of being involved in an election on that date?” —I am, ete., F. IV. DOIDGE. October 23. Wool Prices And Inflation

Sir, —I am astonished at the valuable time wasted in the House, where the brains of the country assemble, in discussing the 15 per cent, increase on wool. One member refers to a table stating that 90 per cent, of the farmers were a few years ago, bankrupt, while another spends a considerable time in slating tbn “wool kings.” •_ .. Assuming that the income of a king is £4OOO, and the number of these cannot exceed 20, he would pay in income and National Security taxes roughly £2400, leaving a net income of £l6OO. Ast, suming his wool returns £l5OO of the income, the extra 15 per cent, would pro s duce £225. On this amount he would pay tax at 18/6 in the £, the tax amounting to £2OB, leaving a profit of £l7 or about 7/- per week. If this amount will create inflation our finances must be in a very sensitive position. Now the income of the majority of sheep farmers is probably under £4OO per annum. Assuming their wool, products £l5O, the extra 15 per cent, would amount to £22/10/-, from whieh would be deducted tax approximating 6/- in the £, amounting to £7, leaving a net balance of £l5/10/- to the small farmer. Why the Government are so keen to sequestrate the whole 15 per cent, (which undoubtedly belongs to the wool producer) is a mystery, as it is apparent that they will get the greater part of it in taxation in any case. The man who is penalized is the small farmer who undoubtedly requires every penny to enable him to carry on.—l am, etc, PLAY FAIR. Dannevirke, October 20. '■ °