PROPOSED WAR TAX.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 230, 8 March 1915, Page 6

PROPOSED WAR TAX.

Mil J. B. 111X13, UP. IXTEHVIEWED. Speaking to a representative of tli<Stratford Post, Mr }!. Fine, M.P.. in answer to a query as to the probable lion of Parliament in regard to war taxation, said that undoubtedly one of tinlirst and most important measures to be considered by the new Parliament would he the financial requirements caused by the war. Up to the present, with t!i" assistance of the Imperial Parliament, the Government have been able to fret ulong fairly comfortably, but the Dominion has to face the position of a fall-ing-off in tint revenue, and at the same time having to provide for a largely increased expenditure, and it is Parliament's work to place the additional burden on the people as equally as possible. Being further asked if he favored any special method of taxation, the member for Stratford had no hesitation in giving his own personal views on the'matter. "Certainly I do." was the ready reply. "I think that in view of the high prices all our produce is now bringing (and 1 apeak as a producer), an export duty should be imposed as soon as possible, even if it means an early session of Parliament, and also a super-tax on the Imports, especially oil all articles generally called luxuries. The Income Tax and the Graduated Land Tax on large estates could be very well utilised for the purpose of increasing the revenue which must of necessity bo provided, and I feel confident that through these channels of taxation just mentioned, the burden can be placed on the shoulders of those best able to bear it." Tn view of the fact that fol- the past three years Mr Fine has filled the very important position of Chairman of the Public Ac counts Committee ot the House of 'Representatives, the suggestion contained in the statement of Mr Fine will be of interest to th (! country, but how far tinproposals will appeal to the Government and the members ol Parliament generally remains to be seen.