Condensed Correspondence.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 173, 22 July 1903, Page 2 (Supplement)

Condensed Correspondence.

Mr A. Sanford sends another letter in reply to Mr Johnson, the substance of his argument being that "coin has nothing whatever to do with fixing the value or prices of imports and exports, which are regulated by supply and demand, cost of production," etc. The same writer comments on "Senex's" views on the land question. He says: "It is only one more step after we abolish the freehold to bring us back to the communal settlements of Russia, Avhere they pay only rent to the State. Playing with this question puts me in mind of an innocent child playing with a loaded pistol. Society is in great danger of taking its own life. As for leaseholds, they aro more 'free' than freeholds, unless re-valued. In any caae, the taxation of land values to any gTeat extent, other than for mere revenue, must have the effect of making the rich richer —in proportion to the poor —as we see in parts of China, where all taxation is raised on the unimproved value of land."

Mr F. A. G. Cotterell writes in reply to Dr. Bakewell's remarks on the term "bad grammar," but the subject has already received all the space it deserves.

"Clodhopper" suggests the powder hulk might be put to some useful purpose by using it as an infectious diseases hospital, and that the costly silt punts which are lying idle in Stanley Bay might be turned into a pontoon bridge.