SINGLE TAX.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1240, 23 September 1911, Page 14

SINGLE TAX.

Sir,—ln ' your issue of yesterday Arthur Witty "replies" to my criticism of hu former letter. .He says: "(The full amount of tho single tax is now. paid every year by the people of New Zealand to tho land-holding class." That, sir, remains to be proved; it is a mere assertion ; that a professional advocate might mako uso of to bluff superficial listeners. Mr. Witty's theory to make the landholders of New Zealand pay tho wliolo taxation is a delightful ono for those who hcild no land. But just as thero should bo no taxation without representation, so a wise democracy will not allow representative power in administering public funds, except to thoso who pdy in tho funds. That I suppose Mr. Witty won't admit; but it is logical basis, and in discussing such - important questions we must lay down sound bases, and bo careful to use our words correctly. Mr; Witty quotes a lot' of figures from return B 17a, and says they prove land monopoly in New Zealand. But saying so doesn't prove it, nor do the figures. His figures show that some folk in New Zealand hold many acres; some few acres. All of those can sell; so also can the Natives and the Crown. The Crown also can compel private owners to sell for tho public good. Under such conditions it is manifestly a misuse of the word to say land monopoly exists in New Zealand. Moreover, the 1907 land returns that ho quotes from, show a steady annual increase in the number of landholders in New Zealand, so that the average size of holdings is being annually reduced. Mr. Witty has made it moro clear to me that to tax (1) everyone's income, (2) everyone's accumulated wealth is tho best practical democratic basis of taxation. It would be fair, and of immense educative value.—l am, etc., • - WILL B. MATHESON. [Delayed in publication.]