CONSCRIPTION OF WEALTH.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 January 1916, Page 2

CONSCRIPTION OF WEALTH.

; MR. MASSEY.ON TAXATION, . By Telegraph.—Press Association. I Auckland, Jan. 2-i. The Piemier, discussing the demands that, have been made in some quarters for the conscription of wealth as well as conscription of men, said that if they meant Pniliament and the (Sovernmont were to t>],e possession of all wealth for war purposes they were asking what was obviously impossible. The amount taken compulsorily by taxation by the legislation of last session was approximately two millions per annum. If the war continued more'money would be required. In exactly the 'same way the people now asking tor increased taxation would probably be the flrst to suffer if it were necessary to go further. With reference to the demand for graduated taxation, Mr. Massey said that the income-tax was graduated, many larger Arms and companies pay ins; a higher rate of income-tax. They 'also paid a graduated land-tax. The tax on their business premises and ordinary land-tax was not increased last session, but the graduated tax was increased SO per cent, all round. The increases in some, instances were running into many hundreds per annum.