“THE EASIEST COURSE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1033, 25 July 1930, Page 12

“THE EASIEST COURSE”

GOVERNMENT CRITICISED BY BUSINESS MAN VIEWS ON TAXATION “In my opinion there should have been a greater effort on „the part of the Government to effect larger economies in administration, particularly In the Railway Department.” This comment comes from the president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Mr. M. Stewart, who stated that, generally speaking, he was disappointed in the increase of taxation. “We already have heavy burdens,” he said. “Now, in addition to the increase in income-tax, there is the 5 per cent, deduction in land tax. This is a very serious thing from the point of view of large firms which are interested in property.” Sieaking of the Government departments, Mr. Stewart said that the estimate only showed a reduction in the railway deficit of £450,000. The cost of Government had grown very largely during the past few years, but there had been little effort made to curtail it. “No doubt thfe Minister of Finance has had a difficult task,’’ continued Mr. Stewart, “and he has taken the easiest course in providing for the deficit, but at the same time he has not made sufficient effort to effect economies in Government expenditure.” Mr. Stewart added that the Auckland Chamber of Commerce would consider the tariff and the Budget at its executive and council meetings next week.