THE COW TAX.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9423, 20 April 1909, Page 5

THE COW TAX.

SIR,—At the annual meeting of the local branch of the Farmers’ Union a remit to the Provincial Conference was passed protesting against a tax, that, it was stated, Government proposed to levy on dairy cows. The meeting, and the mover, seemed very hazy as to the incidence of the tax, but it was explained by the gentleman, whom of those present, was probably best informed on the subject, that this cow tax was only to be levied on those herds supplying milk to pities and towns, übt on herds supplying batter factories. If this is a trne conception of the proposed tax, I hope the Conferenoe will not support the remit. The mover of the resolution allowed that inspection of dairy herds and buildings is necessary. His objection seemed to be that he though! the sheep tax* lately abolished through the efforts cf the Farmers’ Union, was being superseded by this “Oow Tax.” .Now, .1 take it that the mission of the Farmers’ Union is just legislation and just taxation, as well as certain articles of policy, (snob as the freehold) and s> ch a tax is a jnst tax, in that it helps feheg consumer to have placed before him a clean and pure artiole, whereby the dairymen reaps substantial reward. The outstanding claims 'of public health are, of course, obvious. As to the ‘ sheep lax, it, when*it was imposed, was a just tax, but the need for it vanished many years ago. I would just point out that this “Oow Tax” as explained, can be passed on by. the dairyman in a manner that a supplier to an oversea consumer can not. Objection to taxation because it is taxation is not the cause that brought forth our Union, nor is it the means of keeping it healthy in itself, and in the eyes of the public.—l ana, etc..

T. R. WILLIS,