FARMERS AND THE WAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 35, 16 May 1916, Page 7

FARMERS AND THE WAR.

ARE THEY BEARING A FAIR SHARE? The question of war taxation was discussed on Saturday by the Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union at Auckland. Mr John Allen, delegate to the annual conference, asked for a direction on the matter. He stated that he had found many broad-minded men favor an export tax on wool, meat, and dairy produce. Another proposal was a direct tax on stock held by farmers at per head of sheep and cattle. Mr Allen said: "I do not know whether they realise it, but farmers are not» bearing their fair portion of war expenses—l mean in proportion to the capitalist they do not pay sufficient in taxes." Mr R. D. Duxfield: What about our road tax?, We pay heavy taxes for roads. Mr Allen: Yes. but the farmer uses the roads and the tax is not anything like that paid by the capitalist. Mr J. Boddie: 1 take 'it, Mr Allen, that yon favor a direct tax on export rather than a stock tax? Mr Allen: Yes; that it so. Mr A. A. Bowler: 1 think the financier who got the idea about taxing sheep and cows got a very crude idea.

Mr J. E. Mackgill was of opinion that a tax on sheep and cow's would probably meet fcbe caseMr A. A. Ross (chairman): It is evident wo are not going to agree. It would he better to take no action and deal with the matter in conference. ■