State v. Transmission MacHinery Co.

ST. PAUL, J. Plaintiff seeks to collect from defendant for the years 1919, 1920, and 1921, a license (occupation) tax for conducting the business of wholesale dealer. Defendant answers that its business is not that of wholesale dealer, but of manufacturer. Under article 229, Const, of 1913, all man: ufacturers (with some exceptions, presently immaterial) were exempt from the payment of a license tax. I. The evidence shows that the business of defendant is “casting work”; that it has a machine shop in which it has power driven lathes and drill presses; that its product consists of iron pulleys, i. e. wheels, to be fixed to revolving shafts, over which belts run, whereby power is transmitted, and machinery operated. From which we conclude that defendant’s business consists of casting wheels (pulleys) out of iron, trimming and finishing same by means of lathes, and drilling therein such holes as are needed for fitting them where they belong. II. The trial judge was of opinion that this constituted manufacturing; and so are we. Decree. The judgment appealed from is therefore affirmed.