AMUSEMENT TAX WORRIES “THE FIRM”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 340, 28 April 1928, Page 24

AMUSEMENT TAX WORRIES “THE FIRM”

Because of the heavy amusement taxes, J. C. Williamson, Ltd., may curtail—if not altogether cut out—its Adelaide theatrical programme. Mr. Phil Finkelstein, who visited Adelaide recently, said that Federal and State Amusement taxes in Adelaide amounted to 25 per cent, of the box-office receipts. This taxation had become so serious that the future activities of the firm in that centre would have to be carefully considered. Mr. Finkelstein characterised the tax as “an unfair class imposition.” Added to the Federal taxation, it had made the burden too heavy to carry, and, not the least, had made it impossible for the public to enjoy the theatre or concerts at equitable prices. “The recent increase in State taxation,” added Mr. Finkelstein, “had brought the matter to a cl max. . . . The position has become intolerable from a business point of view . . . Twenty-five par cent, may not strike people as excessive, but when it is considered that current amusement taxation in this State represents £125 in every £SOO, it can easily be seen to what extent Federal and State coffers are benefiting at the expense of the theatrical industry and the general public. It is taxation in a form that the public submits to without outcry, because it is indirect taxation.”