FABULOUS TAXES

Evening Star, Issue 22441, 11 September 1936, Page 6

FABULOUS TAXES

CHECKING OF CHAIN STORE PROPOSALS [Per United £ress Association.] WELLINGTON, September. 10. When Mr J. D. M'Robie, of Blenheim, gave evidence yesterday in support of a petition to Parliament from that town he suggested legislation for the control of chain stores by penal taxation, and when his cross-examina-tion was continued before the Industries and Commerce Committee of the House of Representatives to-day cases wore quoted to show what these taxes would amount to. One counsel stated that the D.1.C., with 12 stores, would have to pay £63,000,000 a year on the first- tax, and if a Second had to be paid the whole amount would be £330,000,000. Counsel also quoted the case of a small store that would be taxed heavily for not giving a complete service to any trade. Mr J. Hodgens (Government, Palmerston North) presided over the sitting of the committee, and after the / cross-examination was completed he stated that the committee would adjourn until next Wednesday, when evidence could be brought by the other parties interested. The petitioners, who initiated the inquiry, are seeking legislation to fiieck the spread of the chain store system, alleging that the system is not in the best interests of the community generally. When the hearing of evidence was proceeding to-day, Mr A. D. Wylie, who spoke on behalf of another grrup of petitioners, said he would have a statement to make that would occupy two'days; After that had been made he did not think it would be necessary to call further evidence. Mr C. R. Petrie said he thought that expert witnesses should be present to give the committee all the information possible. At the request of the chairman Mr Wylie undertook to supply copies of his statement and the inquiry was adjourned until next Wednesday.