LABOUR POLICY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 189, 27 August 1937, Page 13

LABOUR POLICY

Social Crediters' Criticism of Tax Burden WAITING FOR BUDGET pThftt tlris meeting of Hamilton citi«ens expresses its serious concern at the present heavy burden of 'taxatiou which. it considers to be contrary to tlie policy of the Government as expressed during the election carapaign, aud unnecessary in view of tbe Government1 s election promises. to utilise fully the public credit; and furtlier that it is of tbe opinion that tbe infringements on freedom of speecb — more especially in the matteir of radio policy— ciall for condemnation ; and tbat recent legisiation whicb forbids tbe iiulividual citizcn tbe Tigbt of appeal to tbe courts of justice |b inconsistent with the principles of JJritishi democracy". Tbe above was a resolutiou carried At a meeting of Hamilton citizens tbis week. Tbe meeting was beld under tbe auspiceB of tbe Hamilton District Council oJt tbe Douglas Social Credit Movement. Mr J. H. Penniket, president of the council, presided. Mr E. M. Masters said tbe movement was a non-party organisation which atood for certain principles and he bad felt impelled to call the meeting to discuss recent political developments in the light of tbose principles for which the movement stood, Tbe Government „ bad begun well by assumjng control of tbe Reseiwe Bank as tbe source of tbe cpxmtry's financial credit. He was, bowever, somewbat disturbed at more fecent actions by the Government, particularly in tbe matter of taxation and tbe B class radio stations. Mr Penniket said the basic philosophy of Social Credit teaching was the liberty of tbe individual, yet broadcasts from certain radio stations by weli-established organientions bad been arbitrarily discontinued. Reduced taxation and the greater use of tbe public credit were also cardinal principles of tbe movement, yet while new credits bad been issued for bousing, taxation bad been increased. Another speaker considered tbat industry could not long continue to carry tbe present heavy burden of taxation. H© boped for a better Budget nest montb. Mr G. L. Hunter was of tbe opinion tbat much more might have been done by & greater use of tbe powers of tbe Iteserve Bank. Other members present drew attention to the dangerous precedents wbicb were being cregted by legisiation which forbade any appeal to the courts by tbose affected, and under wbicb tbe punisters concerned were tbe sule arbiters. It as generally agreed that the next Budget would determine tbe attitude of Biost members of tbe movement tQwards the Labour Government.