HOW RACING IS TAXED.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 252, 16 July 1915, Page 3

HOW RACING IS TAXED.

Some interesting figures relating to taxation on racing were given by Mr R. W. Shallcrass in an address under th e auspices of the New Zealand Sports Protection League on Thursday night. He said; “We think the State cannot further tax the totalisator receipts or totalisator dividends without playing into th e hands of the book, maker, and giving him a fresh lease of life. Let us look at the figures in 1909. The totalisator tax on receipts was U per cent., and the same pound it may be assumed, went more than once during the day on the machine, In 1909, when the New Zealand Governfent made the gift to th e Empire of th e New Zealand Dreadnought, increased taxation was -imposed on the totalisator and the racing clubs. The tax on the totalisator was increased from 1| per cent., (or a fraction over 3d in the pound) to 21 per cent. (6d in the pound), and a new tax of 21 per cent, wa simpoed on the gross proceeds from gate money, privileges, cards, etc. In 1909 the taxation on racinp clubs realised £29,645, and for the racing year ending July, 1914, the taxation realised £107,813. This sum is sufficient to pay the entire interest at 34 per cent on th e cost of the Dreadnought (£1,701,000), and to establish a sinking fund capable of defraying the total cost within 24 years. This was in substance a war tax imposed nnen a section of the community. It is now proposed to further tax that section disti.rftiv|ly from the general community. The willing horsi cannot bear more; and the sense of j positive injustice will prevent it from acquiescing in further taxation.”