Amusement Tax.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1922, Page 4

Amusement Tax.

MODIFIED EXEMPTIONS PROPOSED. SPORTSMEN MUST WAIT. WELLINGTON, Sept 5. AVlicu the promised measure amend-, ing the amusement tax was intro- 1 duecd in the House to-night Air Sidey i asked if it proposed to exempt agricultural and pastoral societies and any organisation not existing for the pur-, pose of gain. | The Prime Minister replied bv read j ing a new clause contained in tlie measure. It states: — (1) Tax shall not be charged in respect of admission to (a) any show promoted by any agricultural or pastoral society or by any horticultural society, if the proceeds arc; devoted to the objects of the society, (b) any entertainment, tjie proceeds or ne't proceeds of which arc devoted to ohai’tiablo, philanthropic, patriotic, or oducational purposes, or to tlie pur- i pose of a«v society or institution not | established" for profit, if the persons i performing at the entertainment give I their service without fee or reward or other pecuniary consultation, and in any case whoc the net proceeds only are so satisfied that the expenses incurred in connection with the enteri taiument are reasonable. (•_>) Nothing in this section shall ho construed to exempt any persons from pavment of amusement tax in respect of admission to any race meeting promoted for the purposes of any game or sport.” “Does in take in cricket or tool--I,all dubs:-” asked Mr Vigor Brown. “No, it does not,” replied the i rime Minister, who went on to say he was afraid footballers and cricketers, also boxers, would have to continue to contribute to the revenue for another season, as he could not do without the taxation imposed to carry oil the waland „ct through its aftermath, which was really more difficult from a financial point of view. He thought the Bill would cover poultry shows. Mr Sullivan: If you are still Finance Minister next yeax will you withdrew it against sports? Ah- Massey: Yes, T hope to exempt them next year, and also, to a certain extent, racing clubs. There was an honourable understanding that their taxation should not continue longer than two seasons without being revised. 1 don’t mind telling the House that the 10 per cent, tax on stakes was suggostcMl by racing men themselves, and I would not, as h mance Minister, turn it down. The offer was too good to refuse, and I appreciated w hat was done l . They kept their share of the bargain, and I hope next season we shall he able to modify it. The Bill is a consolidating measure which makes no change in the actual schedule of.taxes. It provides a method of securing a refund where excess tax is paid in error.