Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1931, Page 5

A LABOUR CRITICISM. ■ Mr F. Langstone '(Lab., Waimarinol referred to “this political humbug” between the Reform and United Parties, and declared they had no intention oi forming a National Government. Tho Financial Statement was “a snatcher * ~ Budget. They are snatching at tea an. sugar and even snatching the linos oh' the floor,” he said, amidst laughte". The position to-day had not collie about in five minutes. It had been coming fw years. It was a result of profligate borrowing and extravagant expenditure and the Reform Party could not escap" its responsibility m the matter. “How they can have the courage and enroute-' to face ?he electors,” he said, “I don - ’ know. They have more hide than a rhinoceros.” Mr Speaker: .Order. Mr Langstone: A political rhinocero" {•Loud laughter). 'He described the I:• direct taxes as the most harmful am vicious form of taxation. There was T'other part of the world where income tax was more liberal than in New Zealand. ' Mr C. A. Wilkinson {lnd., Egmont),: In America. Mr Langstone: I doubt it. There no lighter income tax in any., other Bi tish Dominion, and no more liber; exemptions. He knew of one man paving £750 per year’ in premiums to an insurance company in order to dodge th income, tax. Neither the present ’ no ■ the previous Government had come t:> any proper taxation basis. In conclusion, Mr Langstone -advocated increased death, gift, and estate duties, and 10 per cent, additional o > the higher incomes, to bring in near!,. £6,000,000. The debate was interrupted by th rising of the House at 5.30 p.m. t-i 1 2.30 p.m. on Tuesdayi