THE DOMINION’S PROSPERITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 912, 1 November 1910, Page 3

THE DOMINION’S PROSPERITY.

In the House of Representatives, the Premier, Sir Joseph Ward, read the returns of revenue for the period from April i till October 28, 1910, which showed a total Increase of ,£573.°4 2 over the corresponding period of last year. The figures showed that in every Department except Registration, there had been a substantial increase, and those Departments which were an index to the currents of trade showed that the Dominion is in a prosperous state.

In moving that the House go into Committee of Supply to consider the estimates, Mr Massey congratulated the Ministry, Parliament, and the country on the improved state of the Dominion financially. He, however, intended to move an amendment as follows; “That as since last session the revenue ot the Dominion has considerably increased, and is to be further augmented by legislation now before the . .House, and is already more than ~ sufficient for the ordinary purposes of the Government, and unnecessary taxation is harassing to the people, this House is of opinion that the surtax provided for in the Customs Duties Act of 1909 should be abolished forthwith.” Mr Massev supported his amendment by arguments drawn from the state of the finances disclosed by the statement just made by the Premier, and said there was a growing impression that the country was being overtaxed. Sir Joseph Ward expressed astonishment at Mr Massey’s action in moving the amendment. He recalled the anxious period he had passed through as Treasurer during the recent depression, and the criticism of the Opposition directed against the Government’s finance. Mr Massey was actuated by political motives in moving the amendment. The ,£50,000 raised by the surtax was an infinitesimal sum per head of population. It was a strange procedure on the part of Mr Massey to move an amendment having the effect of reducing the money available tor public works belore he had the opportunity of seeing the proposals contained in the public works statement.

Mr Allen said the Government should not have allowed Mr Massey to take the lead in the matter. The surtax was imposed owing to a temporary falling off in revenue, and it was only right that it should now be removed. The surtax was not being paid by the rich. The Premier had anticipated an increase in revenue of ,£331,000, but if the present rate of increase were maintained it would run into ,£1,000,000. The amendment was defeated by 44 to 28, and the House went into Committee on the Imprest Supply Bill.