THE NEW TAXES

Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1930, Page 3

THE NEW TAXES

NEW DUTY ON WATCHES

PREMIER’S REPLY TO CRITICISM

'By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 30. . Tlie iiecejssitj’’ for taking a wide view of th© Government’s taxation proposals was stressed by the Prime Minister this evening wliefi replying to a deputation which represented the wholesale and retail watchmakers and jewellers of New Zealand. They protested against the increase in the duty on watches, if of foreign origin, from 20 per cent to 45 per cent. It was pointed out that watches could not be \mado in New Zealand under any circumstances,. and that, actually very little watchmaking was done in Great Britain. It .was contended that "tlie trade ’ wtis'..unfairly •oeiialised.

. The object of the Government, in bringing .down the . resolutions, the ■Prime Minister., said, was first and : foremost more re,venue. The- , Government sought,, also to ,give preference to British goods and iij addition, a certain amount of protection to New Zealand industries. “We can’t ignore •the fact,’’ lffi country is dependent on Great Britain. We want to see that the, tax is placed on the jshoulders of the. people with as little (Inconvenience , as, possible. Everyone .must realise that if the finances of 'New Zealand are' not kept in a sound state, business people ivill suffer in the long run. People, perhaps naturally, looked at things from their own standpoint. They don’t seem to realise that they are part and parcel of a bigger concern—the State. Anyone who has the welfare of his country at heart ,must realise that the unpleasant things must be faced.”

The Prime Minister promised to consider the, representations made by the deputation. ■ •