CLERGY AND TAXATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1920, Page 2

CLERGY AND TAXATION.

STATEMENT BY SIR JOSEPH WARD In a statement handed to The Dominion on the eve of his departure for Australia, Sir Joseph Ward makes the following reference to his controversy with the Rev. Howard Elliott:— "There was a statement sent by the Press Association throughout the Dominion in criticism of my Winton speech by Mr- Howard Elliott, 'that I had not explained, as the late Minister of Finance, if the Roman clergy are exempt from income tax, whilst the Protestant clergy are liable.' As I find this is being reiterated, and an attempt being made to make people believe it is true, I shall be glad if you will publish the following letter sent by me to the Prime Minister on the matter of the reply of the Commissioner of Taxes:- „, „, Wellington, March 4, 1920. The Minister In Charge, Land and Income Tax Department, Wellington. Dear Sir,—Would you he good enough to ascertain from Uio Commissioner of Taxes: (1) Whether Catholic priests are exempt from Income tax; (2), If so, under what statute and when and by whom, such was Introduced and passed by Parliament; (3) whether at any period of my administration any decision beaTing on such a question was asked of or given by me? I shall be obliged if you would direct that a reply be furnished me to-day. Tours truly, J. 0. WARD. "In reply I received the following communication:— Land and Income Tat Department, Wellington, March 4, 1920. The Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, Wellington. Sir,—l have the honor, by direction of the Minister In Charge of the Land and Income Tax Department, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th Inst. In reply to the questions therein I have to say:—■ (1) Catiiolic priests are not exempt from income tax if in receipt of stipends exceeding the statutory exemption. (2) The answer to this question Is unnecessary In view of the answer to the first question. (3) So far as I am aware, this matter has never been referred either to you or to any Finance Minister. I have been an officer In the Department, occupying a responsible position, ever since the Land and Income Taxes Acts, have been in force, and I am in a position to say that had such a thing ever been done I Would hare been aware of it. Yours obediently, i . %, »• G- CLARK, ■ I ! . • Commissioner of Taxes.