AMUSEMENT TAX.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 August 1925, Page 1

AMUSEMENT TAX.

IM*X>I'FST FOi: HKAIISSION. AVEIXIXN TOX. An-. 13. A deputation representin- boxing*, loot hall, athletic, cricket and hockey bodies, |tressed the Prime Mintstci today to remit the amusement tax on all sports. The request was supported by the Sports Protection Lea-tie. Boxing associations in particular pleaded that they were losing money and the tax pressed hardlv on them. It was pointed nut. that -Air Massey lmd in September, 1922. expressed the hope that il would be possible to abolish the tax in the following year. ‘■l don't know what the actual chert upon sports ladies has been.' remarked the* Prime Minister. “A our Wellington union is doing quite well. Nit'.' are in a better position than ever. Mr Dean: That is just for the time being, hut they have had a very had run. , , «<Tliey have ha«.l a very good season so far.” observed Air Coates. Mr Mean -aid tliev had their troubles to"come in the representative matches. Ml- Coates said that so far as he knew the late Prime Atmister did not make a definite promise. Tn 10.3 he made a rod net on aggregating in 1921 a further reduction of £-10.000. and there was a balance at present ot £60.00°. . . „„„ The Minister of Finance, the Don AV Xosworthv. interjected that it would cost £<50.000 to abolish the amusement tax altogether “But that includes theatres an i everything." said Mr Dean. _ *V l V for remission only upon sportH> Mr Xosworthv (to the Prime Minister): I think it should he stand over for this te.u. -et is down and it puts you all out s f nr • .. finances for the year are 00 Mr r CMa'tes said he would 1* glad to go into the matter. As Mr Xasworthy had stated, the estimates had been

prepared Mild allowauras made lor COO,OOO being received by way "I amusement tax. II the reduei inn aeked only affected a- small amount they might Ik’ able to do something. “Won't this open the door for others to make similar lequesl” asked the Minister of Fnnuee. Mi- Sliallerass: So more than von have done by giving exemption to ngreiullnral and pastoral associations and swimming associations. Heplving to the Prime .Minister. Air Dean estimated the amount involved m lhe request at about £2OOO. , The Prime Minister said lie unnlu look into the matter with the Minister of Finance and timl out what the actual cost.- would he. He agreed that none of the bodies affected acre very nrosperous.