THE COST OF LIVING

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 20 May 1915, Page 2

THE COST OF LIVING

WE are still hearing a good deal about the cost of living, and the alleged exploitation oi the public by the merchants and producers. The other evening the Wellington Branch of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers apparently had both matters under consideration, and passed a resolution expressing alarm at " the enormous and uncalled for rise in the cost of living," and calling upon the Government " to do its duty to the workers, from whom the bulk of the Expeditionary Forces are drawn.. A short cut was suggested to give effect to the proposal, opinion being expressed that it is the duty of the Government to impose a tax on the unimproved values of land of 6d in the £, and to double the Income Tax, at the time remitting, or reducing, the duty on tea, foods, etc., " the Government to see that prices are reduced accordingly." Apparently the Engineers are unaware that duty is not levied upon bulk Indian teas, but only upon those imported from China and in packets from other countries. The revenue would decidedly benefit by the imposition of the taxes suggested but it is very doubtful if the country would profit in the ' long run. Based on the amount of last year's ordinary Land Tax collections, a tax of 6d in the £ on unimproved values, would produce about three million sterling, and an extra half-million (on the same basis) would be obtained by doubling the Income Tax. Mr Allen would doubtless welcome the addition, but the question remains, " Would it pay ?"