LOWER HOUSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 July 1940, Page 6

LOWER HOUSE

MORE SPEECHES IN BUDGET DEBATE EXCESS PROFITS TAXATION. VIEWS OF NORTHERN MEMBER. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. Mr C. W. Boswell continued the Financial Debate in the House of Representatives today. He said the leader of the Opposition had expressed the opinion that if an excess profits tax were imposed the incentive to make excess profits would disappear. Personally, said Mr Boswell, he did not agree with this and considered that those in a position to make excess profits would gladly continue their industry, because they knew that in doing so they were contributing to our war effort. He advocated further development of the kauri gum industry and better roading facilities for the far north. Mr Boswell also expressed resentment at charges of subversion levelled at teachers throughout New Zealand. One of the worst offenders, he said, was the member for Tauranga, who was reported to have said that the universities and schools were rotten with Communism and disloyalty. This was a terrible thing to say, and was cruelly incorrect. The way to deal 1 with subversion was to report the matter to the police and leave it at that. He also had been asked, he said, why the Government did not gaol Communists. There was no reason why it should. There were many fine people among the Communists, and as long as they did not engage in subversion they were entitled to their ideas. Mr W. S. Goosman said we had no room for Communists in New Zealand. Mr Goosman said the Government had asked the people to save, but he would ask what example it was showing people in this direction. Mrs Stewart urged that when the war was over we should not forget the lessons we had learned, but should spread abroad the spirit of brotherhood, so that war could never again come upon us. Mr F. W. Doidge said Mr Boswell’s defence of Communists was astounding It was contrary to the- wishes of the people of New Zealand and the ideals for which our soldiers were fighting. The debate was interrupted by the adjourn'nent at 1 p.m.