LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 953, 20 June 1868, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by correspondents. Sic, — In your paper of the 6th instant, I have read a letter signed " Fact," one part of which has reference to me as carpenter. Now I wish to tell " Fact" that he had no right to meddle with my name— that is, without my authority. In future I hope he will confine himself to his own arithmetical problems. — I am, &c, Caepenteb. Sic, — As it is evident we ar6 Sending too much money from the province, and that we must produce more and buy less, it is a fitting opportunity, as the Provincial Council is sitting, and there is a probability of a fresh appropriation of the balance of the loan, that attention should be drawn to the timber of the Pohui bushi This bush is of considerable extent), and contains splendid timber. If it was worked, it would keep money in the province, do good by giving employment, &c, and possibly bring money into the province, through an export trade. The only drawback, is the want of a road ; but I am assured, on excellent authority, that an outlay of £500, would be sufficient to make one which would be suitable for horse teams, and bring the. bush within 23 miles of the port. This outlay would return to the Govern* ment, as it still retains a large quantity of the bush, which, with a road to it> should find purchasers. The road could form part of the Taupo line, I need not encroach any further on your tiine*and space, as the matter ought torecommend itself; I shall only observe it is of no personal interest to me, having no land in the bush or in the direction of any part of the line of road. — I am, &c, ■ L. Sic, — As Mr. Stafford, in his late speech to his constituents in Nelson, expressed himself anxious about the welfare of the absentees, and stated that, as there must be more revenue, an income tax was the only solution of the difficulty, and that it would reach the non-resident, who at the present time did not contribute in any way to therburdens of the country, — now, Sir, although the income tax might raise a revenue, it is objectionable as inquisitorial, and, having been tried during the time Capt. ITitzroy was Governor, proved a decided failure. I would suggest, instead, a tax on all unoccupied land, as this not only affects absentees but residents in the colony, who only buy for speculation; and the impetus given to improvements would very soon remedy the present dulness universally prevailing, and give employment for all the labour we can command. With regard to country land, I would say that all sheep or cattle runs should be termed occupation land ; but agricultural land must be fenced or laid down in grass to come under that designation, or pay 3d. per acre annually. Suburban land to be fenced and cultivated, .or pay 2s. 6d. per acre, or any portion thereof. Town allotments to be either built on or fenced, or pay ss. for each allotment as laid down on the map at time of original sale. These annual payments might be very fairly allowed to the provinces, as the portion of customs revenue now nominally allowed is swallowed up in some mysterious manner, quite inexplicable to the general mind, and leaves us almost without revenue. The provinces could also collect such a tax easier and cheaper than the General Government.— -I am, &c, An Ownek of Unoccupied Land.