GENERAL CABLES.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 August 1918, Page 5

GENERAL CABLES.

MORTALITY FROM SPANISH INFLUENZA. Received 8.50. a.m. NEW YORK, August 14. Spanish influenza has causeH four deaths on a Norwegian vessel docked here. According to the officers ten | persons are also seriously ill from the same disease. The health authorities have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the disease to the population of the city. THE PROPOSED LUXURY TAX. MAKING IT HOT IN ALL QUARTERS. FORCING PEOPLE BACK TO THE PRIMITIVE. Received 11.35 a.m. LONDON, August 14. The Select Committee on the Luxury Tax has issued a report detailing the proposals. Long schedules cover a vast number of commodities, many of which are subjected to tax irrespective of value. For example, precious stones, metals, silks, furs, perfumes, works of art and things used in sport and amusement. The second schedule, covers meals, board and lodging, ' dinners costing above 5s should be taxed; breakfasts, 3s; afternoon tea, Is; board and lodging, 17/6 daily, 100 s weekly; single bedrooms, 45s weekly; double, 755. Another list taxes men's boots costing above 40s, women's shoes 32/6, men's suits eight guineas, women's costumes seven guineas, tobacco Is ounce, cigars ninepence, horses £l5O, furniture suites fifty sterling. The minority report" argues the revenue reproducing effect of the taxes will be defeated if the duty Is chargeable on the whole amount, the amount therefore should be charged ! on the surplus over an exemption lim- | it. The Committee recommends exemptions in favour of articles purchased by museums, libraries, and are galleries, and considers the scheduled prices should be ratable to meet any rise in prices.