NEW FILM TAXATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1079, 17 September 1930, Page 11

NEW FILM TAXATION

FULL INQUIRY DEMANDED NO UNQUALIFIED SUPPORT Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. The withdrawal of American films from Zealand as a reply to the new tax was the subject of discussion at a meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce last evening. A motion urging the Government to stand by its decision, and not allow outside interests to dictate its policy, was defeated on the voices, and an amendment that the question should be investigated by the importers and exporters’ committee of the council was carried. Mr. A. Seed, who moved the motion, said that apparently a strong effort was being made to boycott the country with a view to making the Government readjust taxation which it had decided the industry should bear. Personally, he thought New Zealand could well do with a holiday from American pictures. Mr. C. J. B. Norwood, who seconded the motion pro forma, said he was wondering whether the chamber ought to pass such a resolution wi h the information at its disposal. He did not know r how far-reaching the tax was, but he did know that if it had the effect of shutting down picture shows many people would be thrown out of work, and all because perhaps New Zealand desired to assert her dignity. He w r as not conversant with the real position, and he suggested that the chamber would be well advised to give the question the fullest consideration before coming to a decision.

Mr. C. W. Budd said he understood that many of the companies were not paying income-tax, and if that was true he thought the Government’s proposals were fair and equitable. At all events, the position required investigating. Mr. E. R.. Render said he had been led to believe that the Government had budgeted for £300,000 from the film industry. The figures showed that revenue would amount to £79.000. He supported the contention that the matter required investigation, and moved that the importers and exporters’ committee be instructed to investigate and report. The motion was defeated, and the amendment carried.