FARMERS AND WAR TAXATION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 50, 4 February 1916, Page 2

FARMERS AND WAR TAXATION.

BICHOP'S SERMON BRINGS OUT A DISCUSSION. A sermon preached by Bishop Julius in the Cathedral at Christchurch cm Sunday week, in which he made reference to "the meanness of people, of 'farmers who were making much money and giving as little as possible," and his declaration that "as to sacrifice t 'they didn't know what it was," had ■the effect on Wednesday of stirring up the executive of the North Canterbury ;Farmers' Union, and producing some discussion on what is and what .'s not just taxation. The general outcome of the views expressed was that "income" and not "land" should be the primary producer of revenue. Mr C. H. Elisor first brought up the subject, saying that some of the remarks made by the bishop concerning the farmers vvere quite uncalled for. The union should ascertain whether the farmers were contributing adequately to the war funds. A recent ratr.rn showed that the land contributed more than half of the increased taxation. The Belgian carnival was largely undertaken by country people. Although prices were high, the 'actual position was that the bulk of the farmers were making less than they did previously. All taxation for war purposes should be based on income primarily, with certain supplementary sources. That would be a fairer method than the present way. The scale could be graduated, so that bigger incomes would pay more in proportion. In his district every farmer was paying his share to the Patriotic Fund, in accordance with the value of his land. Mr Ensor added that the land tax basis of taxation did not catch the war profits at all. Mr Seth Smith said the bishop only made the remarks he did by way of illustration. He admitted that there might be farmers who were not doing their duty in the matter, but it was never understood that the farmers as a body had failed to respond to the country's call. Mr Lill supported the income tax basis and added that a slur was cast on farmers generally by the tight-fist-ed conduct of a few men. The whole matter of taxation should be brought before the next conference. Mr Knsor agreed to follow tins course.