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Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1921, Page 2

In*-: political quidnuncs at the Wellington storm centre speak of an early genera! election next year. Tlh'h deduction is made from the fact that there is a protracted session this year—not yet ended and it is going to overflow into the new year. This extension will lead to an unusual volume of business being transacted, so that when a, few months later the session of 1922 takes place, the order paper is not likely to be a lengthy one. This latter fact will permit the session to he wound up speedily and Mr Massey can then go to the country. The life of the present Parliament runs out next year, but there is not likely to be undue haste in rushing to the polls. The present session will run well into Jan--1 uarv, if not February and Parliament will be expected to meet in June. However much legislation may be disposed of now, there is sure to be a budget of business for the final session of the Parliament, and in any case members will be more loquacious. Four or five months would be a very I moderate period for a Parliamentary sitting and so the session will probably run at least to the end of October No doubt Mr Massey will endeavour to tix the general elections as son alter the rising of Parliament ns possible but an interval of five or six 1 weeks will be required for memlrers to : get round their constituencies Conse- ; quently the usual late November or early December fixture may bo looked tor as the time for the triennial general eleetions. The session of next year will require to deride whether the li- . censing poll will take place then or he 1 deferred for three years It is on the , cards- that financial reasons might prompt the Government to postpone

the polls. Not only would there be a. saving by abandoning the vote for three years, but there would be a lucrative term under the present tariff to collect the enhanced revenue from alcoholic liquors. Doubtless the licensing amendments to he considered next session will lie the storm centre for political action, and lead more than any other subject to the prolongation of Parliament. Particularly for this reason the session is not likely to hasten ' to an early close. ' i Tm: racing taxation which was enacted ! in Parliament last week is limited by a 1 provision in the Finance Act to ope- * rate up to 31st. March, 1924. It is understood that before that time the * position is to be reviewed, as it recog- 8 niseil the new impost is a very heavy burden for the sport to bear. The act

is thus limited to a period of two years, ' and by then it is hoped the financial position of the Dominion will be on a 1 more stable basis, thus affording relief for an overburdened sport. The total taxation now derived from racing both directly and indirectly must be very great. It lias been estimated that the j Government now draws about fifteen j per cent of the gross totalisator investments. The further penalty put on the owners by the increased stakes tax is a severe levy. Many clubs owing to increased totalisator returns were able to enhance their stakes, but the falling off in tote receipts will cause a reduction in stakes so that the owner whose expenses are ns high as ever, will have less income and on his winnings will have to pay more. Probably the Clubs will make some effort to equalise the position, by reducing entry fees- -but these fall naturally with lessened stakes. The riding fees arc a heavy tax on owners, and as expenses are going up in oth< - directions probably it will be necessary for the racing authorities to revise tho scale of jockeys’ fees. It is only lately they were increased, but in the new situation being created by the fresh taxation, the “passing on” tactics which invariably follow increased' prices, is hardly likely to allow jockey's fees to escape. They, however, must stand for the present racing season, as they can be reviewed only at the annual conference. The public arc nut to escape being mulcted also. They will find the dividend tax doubled and will l<e called upon no doubt to bear some share of tho amusement tax. In some North Island places holders of “complimentary” privileges have to pay a gate toll of 2s as some small contribution to the depleting revenues of the Club, so that in various ways one and all patronising racecourses for amusement sake, will have to contribute more or less freely for their enjoyment.