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Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1748, 21 September 1875, Page 2

We have no maudlin sentiments of sympathy with the clap-trap cry about the burthens of taxation; but really the city taxation is beginning to look ominous. Attention will be directed to this by the recommendation from the Financial committee of the Council in favour of another loan of £10,000, for expenditure on Hobson and Nelson-streets and Freeman's Bay ; and for the further purpose of erecting Municipal Offices. That the power todo this is in the handsof the Council is true, and that the rentals from City endowments may be sufficient to warrant the extension of expenditure may be jusb as true. But really we are inclined to think that we ought to draw our breath for a little, and see if we could not manage to get along for a few years without some of these valuable and extensive works. Far be it from us to say that these works are not in the highest degree proper. They will redound to the honor, and we have no doubt, the profit of the city. But while we believe in the comprehensive grasp of public matters which takes in the future, we really should not wholly overlook the present. Supposing it true that increased rentals will meat the interest on this expenditure, could these increased rentals not be applied to lessening taxation ? Really it would we think be more becoming, —in the face of the heavy water taxes about to be imposed, long before the benefits of the water are felt —to remit if possible for a year or so a portion of the present taxation. We say this on the supposition that these "increased rentals" are free to be applied towards the raising of another loan. If six hundred a year or so is not required, might not tbe taxation for .a year or two be lessened by that amount ? Times are hardening to a great many ratepayers, and a small relief of pressure would be appreciated. Might not Hobson-street and Nelsonstreet wait a little, and Freeman's Bay be content with the liberal favours of the Harbour Board for a year or two, and Councillors bear with their present inconvenient chambers for a season? In fact, in the circumstances of a new rate for water being imposed, if the city could rest itself for a little, spend as little as possible, and so ease off the strain while times are dull, it would at least take off the keen edge of the water rate and make people think less uncomfortable things. We entirely repudiate the insinuation that this is croaking. We entirely appreciate that " far-seeing statesmanship " of which we hear so much, that takes in the far future and the interests of ages to come. But confound it, there is such a thing as the present, and we protest against its being entirely ignored. Present taxation is what the people feel, prospective advantages may or may not be enjoyed by them or by their children ; and in the present circumstances of the city, it Beems rather unreasonable to keep driving ahead with fresh undertakings, when despite all the specious promises and prospects, every year comes adding tax to tax.