LEVY ON RABBITING

Southland Times, Issue 24819, 11 August 1942, Page 2

LEVY ON RABBITING

Sir, — I am anxious to discover the sense in the Government’s heavy levy on rabbiting, which retards the destruction of rabbits in winter when they are of some value, and provides a subsidy for summer rabbiting, when skins are of no value. Also I would like to know when winter ends and summer begins under this eccentric scheme, and is it quite in order to sell winter skins in summer and receive the promised subsidy. The small boy who sells more than £1 worth of skins and is not liable for taxes, has the security taxes deducted, and is told to communicate with the Commissioner of Taxes for a refund, which will be considered on the submission of numerous particulars. On behalf of one small boy I have attempted the interesting, expensive and apparently impossible task of getting the tax returned. The only results so far are the expenditure of several stamps and much stationery and patience. I am now required to go to a Justice of the Peace several miles away to make and sign a solemn declaration—all for the return of 2/6. I don’t think I am much sillier than the average citizen, but after an experience of this kind, I am in favour of an election immediately and thereafter at six monthly intervals until sanity returns to this country.

O. SUFFRINKATZ.