Original Correspondence.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 668, 20 May 1865, Page 3

Original Correspondence.

THE NEW CATTLE BILL.

To the Editor of tlie Taranaki Herald.

Sir, — In your issue of Saturday last I observe on looking over the proceedings of the Council, that the " Cattle Branding " Ordinance has been abandoned ; but we are promised another. It is, however, devoutly qbo bo hoped that the • bill having "fallen through" will not again be resuscitated . The times have so materially changed since the Council very properly first took the matter up, that most persons now believe such a measure is not wanted, but that the law for the protection of property is sufficient. Nevertheless if a new bill must be brought in, lot the Council keep to the difficulty (if it be one), that is to say to cattle running in the bush, with doubtful owners, ignoring altogether cattle kept within permanent fences, for it is preposterous to suppose that the owners of cattle of the latter description will allow themselves to be taxed for the purpose of allowing the Council to carry out an elaborate Ordinance. The proposed introduction of the following clause is quite sufficient to raise the indignation of our usually quiet community. It runs thus :—": — " Every owner of cattle shall, within — weeks from the proclamation of this Ordinance and from the Ist January in every subsequent year furnish the Inspeotor of Brands with a correct return of the number of cattle owned by him at such date and pay to the Inspector the annual sum of one shilling for each head of cattle then owned by him above the age of six months." — Now, sir, if this means anything, it means ar-pKo-perty tax on cattle, a measure I conceive the Council is totally unable to deal with — the imposition of taxes resting only with the New Zealand Parliament.

I am, Sir, yours, &c,

X. [Our correspondent is. we apprehend, mistaken in saying that the Council cannot levy such a rate as the one proposed. Whether such a rate is desirable is another thing, and the answer given to it will depend on the answer given to one or two other questions. 1st — Whether the nuisance of wild cattle running at largo is such as to call for legislative action. 2nd — Whether Inspectors of cattle are necessary for this or for any other purpose ; and, 3rd, if they are necessary — Whether that class which gets nearly the whole benefit of their services should pay more than the rest of the community towards their maintenance. — Ed. T. H.}