LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 925, 14 March 1868, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

The Editor does uot hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by correspondents. Sic, — The gist of your note to my letter in Tuesday's paper is simply this — that the stewards of the races were not the actual getters-up of the race ball, but that some other gentlemen were. It is not denied that the shopkeepers and tradesmen of Napier were carefully shut out from the list of invitations ; nor is it asserted that the ball was other than a race ball, which usually means a ball in which the public generally will take a part. Putting aside two names — that of a gentleman who was absent and of one who is a comparative stranger amongst us —it follows that some three or four young gentlemen havo constituted themselves sole judges of who are eligible and who ineligible, for the privilege of obtaining a card of admission for the race ball. In olden times — before snobbishness was so rampant as it now is — assemblies of this kind were composed of all classes of the community, no effort being made to exclude any person who conducted himself respectably, whatever his occupation. It was so, for instance, at the Separation Ball, which consisted of all classes, and than which no more harmonious and pleasant an affair ever took place in Napier. Now, however, it is very different. No '

sooner is a, ball of any kind on the tapis than some three or four young gentlemen put their heads together at the Club, and carefully divide the community into two classes— putting, as it were, the sheep on the right hand and the goats on the left ; and carefully excising from the former the name of any one at all tainted with "shop " or any base pursuit of a mechanical nature. While amongst the former class are doubtlsss many men of deservedly high position, in it are also included menwho have smashed and paid nothing in the pound — men who make a point, under no circumstances, of paying, anybody — men whose only qualification seems to be that they are privileged to do a little loafing within tne sacred precincts of the Hawke's Bay Club. The latter class contains some men at least who pay their way and whose general conduct secures them the respect of their fellow citizens ; but, as it happens, the mark of the beast is on their foreheads ; "shop " is indelibly written on their visages ; and they are not, therefore, deemed fit society for the accomplished young gentlemen whose names are given as those of the stewards on the occasion of the late," Eaee Ball," and their friends. ? ; I could say a good deal more on this subject — particularly as to -ihe . vested right in the Council Chamber* which certain gentlemen, seem, by their actions, to assume that they possess— but Faugh ! the subject begins to. stink in one's nostrils. The tradesmen of Napier — treated, as they have been, like so many lepers, to be ruthlessly kept outside the gates of the city— Wuia iaffc'er 'alii not 'have felt greatly flattered by .an intimation that they would be admitted to the very select society which lately -filled the Council Chamber, and left the . Eesident Magistrate's Court teeming with empty beer bottles ; but, nevertheless, they can quite appreciate the spirit which caused their names to be excluded, and will, probably, next year, leave > the races (for really the two things cannot be separated in men's minds) to be supported by the privileged individuals who were deemed fitting participators in the closing scene of festivity. — I am, &c, A Napier Tbadesman.

Sic, — I believe lam right in asserting that the present state of the colony is unprecedented, and without a parallel in the annals of history. The colonists are ground down by hard times and taxation — shall I say unjust ? I do not hesitate to affirm, that this deplorable condition that the country has now arrived at is caused by the grasping taxation, the promiscuous expenditure, the profligacy of the government, far more than the depression in trade. The government, rejoicing in an empty exchequer, have lately thought fit to impose a fresh tax on us miserable settlers ; I imagine because we have submitted with so good a grace to their former impositions. This .tax, called, I believe, the survey tax, contrary to the maxims laid down by political economists they have, or propose to levy on one class of the community directly? and not indirectly on the colony at large. Several sessions past the government were of the opinion, that could crown grants be issued for all native lands, it would tend to improve the condition of the colony at large, to insure peace in the northern isle, to strengthen and secure the safety of European inhabitants ; for 'that purpose, a court was instituted, with power to enquire into and confirm native -'titles- by issuing crown grants. To defray the expenses incurred by such court, a tax of 10 per cent, was ordered on all first sales and leases ; so far so good The expenditure of the court must be paid somehow, so I will not condemn that tax, although I may question if it would not have been judicious, as a matter of policy, as | well as in a pecuniary point of view, to have reduced the fee considerably. This tax, sir, I don't complain of; my grievance is far worse. Not satisfied with the 10 per cent., thinking they might exact a little more from us they introduce a second, the survey tax I mentioned above — far more exacting, far more unbearable and far more obnoxious, because unjust. This tax, they affirm, is necessary, as the 10 per cent does not cover the expenditure of the court. Wow, sir, is there a man so bold as to state that such is or will be the case, if the government offer the natives (or Europeans for the natives) fair facilities to obtain this 'crowri quant;, were they to do so, the court would not only pay its own expenses', but return a surplus to the treasury. I admit, tfiat if they postpone a court, when it is met, from time to time, till all are disgusted and exasperated, the Lands Court cannot and is not likely to meet its expenditure by any number of taxes. This tax, ranging from sixpence per acre downwards, must ruin many, and thwart itself the intention of the government by preventing a large portion of land, which would otherwise be brought forward for a crown grant, from being brought into court. Let us consider what the government gains and what it loses by such legislation. It gains a few paltry pounds, (a few sordid pennies) ; it loses the goodwill, confidence, and respect of its constituents ; it prevents capital from being invested in the colony from other countries, and drives what little yet remains to investments in other countries, favoured by nature not one tithe so much as New Zealand, but countries blessed with .a government more liberal towards her settlers, better in point of legislation and more pure in their dealings. .Let the government pause well before they attempt to levy this survey tax ; let them ask themselves is it politic, is it just ? Let them remember we have endured much, that either they will clear the country of settlers, or nil the colony with beggars. Should the government be in need of more pecuniary aid, I would suggest that they sell us as slaves outright, instead of taxing us any further, then the settlers will know how to act. They will either leave the country, or show them that there is a limit to everything, and that, much as I should be opposed to it, rebellion and. civil war have arisen from slighter causes, from lesser grievances. — I am, &c, Justitia.