WHAT SOCIALISM IS DOING FOR US.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12995, 24 December 1907, Page 8

WHAT SOCIALISM IS DOING FOR US.

TO THZ EDITOR OF "TUB PRXSS."

Sir, —Permit mc to call attention to the enormous and rapid increase in the taxation of the people of thris country that is now taking plaoo. Dividing the whole taxation, general and local, for the year ending 31arch 31st, 1900, among the white population it amounted to £4 18s per head. In 1906 it amounted to £5 13e lid. In 1907 it had mounted up to £6 3s 3d . (six pounds three shilling* end throe pence per head), an increase in one yeir of nine shillings and four ponce (9s 4d) per head for every white man, woman, and baby in the country. Such a statement seems incredible, but it is not mine, but what tho Government saye, and "they seem to think that it needs explanation, for they add this: "It miy bo wcJl to call attention to tho fact tfoet a full yield of taxation per head of population' may indicate (outeido the question of increasing tho rate of any particular tax levied) a satisfactory condition of business es showing activity." But why does not Sir Joseph explain how it comes that with tho onormouß surpluses the Government claims to Oiave had at command for the last 13 years thie huge increase of taxation should be allowed to take place? It docs not eecm that the Socaalistdc measures tliat have been passed in such abundance by the Seddon. and Ward Administrations have decreased the burdens of the people at ail. The co3t of living has 'been enormously increased, and the taxation of tOio people since Mr Seddon took ohxrgo has increased continually till now it is £1 16e 10d per head per annum more than it was then, and of thtia great increase 9s 4d took place during lest year—in one year onjy be it remembered. Socialism is just beginning to tell in New Zeiland. Wo shall find it out in a few years. If a change is not soon made nothing can prevent our railways, State coaJinincß, etc., being sold to privet© companies. However, the Government tells us tihat the increase in taxation is a> sign of increased prosperity. They ought to know. Do theyP We shall see.—Yours, etc.,

SAAIUEL VAILE.