The Star. [published daily]

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2432, 20 May 1893, Page 2

The Star. [published daily]

i SATUEDAY, MAT 20, 1893. LOCAL TAXATION. — ♦ Whiting on the above mentioned subject the Dunedin Star touches a matter which is of considerable importance to ratepayers both in town and oountry. It eayß: " Considering tbe burdens it seems to be the policy of successive Governments in New Zealand to cast on tbe I ratepayers, tbe question becomes a practical one whether one description of property alone should equitably be subject to local rates, Municipal aad county affairs aie of a direct importance to every resident in the borough or county; all participate in the advantages by good local government — in the maintenance of public health, lighting* and water supply. Can it be reasonably contended that the cost should fail solely and entirely on tbe possessors of real property ? The question is becoming one of practical politics in the Old Country, and it is well known that the late Government, had they continued in office, intended to propose legislation to the effect that every . description of property should be equally subject." Referring to tbe aspect of the matter in the colonies the Star observes : — " We have in New Zpaland tbe very pertinent fact that tbe value of personal pioperty in the Colony is esti- '• mated at £84,000,000, and this does not contribute one penny towards tbe local revenues. It would be hard to find a } valid argument why it should not do so, 3 or why the nnfortuuate prssessors of land > and tenements should bear tbe whole brunt of the burden, including, as it &ow does, the maintenance of hospitals, j industrial schools, and tbo providing generally for charitable aid. We need I hardly point out that the rate-paying j liability to all property-owners would as a necessary oonsequence very materially - lighten the rates to individuals. The ) rates would practically become a mere 1 bagatelle when distributed over so muoh a wider a surface. As to the assessment, B there would be no practical difficulty, any 3 more than there was in reaped to the * property tax ; and tbere would of course be do question of exemption." In connection with the foregoing tbere is one other point to be considered. The adoption of the suggestion offered would mean that tfbile in tbe richer parts ot the colony them would be plenty of revenue for local wjrka it would not greatly help the poorer districts or the more newly-settled districts where the wants are - greater and the taxable wealth would be ) less. Subsidies have not proved satisfactory in the past because tbe monoy has been to a great extent wasted. Tbe j j money has come easily and has gone easily, and moreover the system of distribuy tion has been on tbe basis of giving much to those who already have much, and little to tbo=e who have but little But if the colonisation policy be admirable, if the helping of weak districts to positions of - strength be a good and proper aim, if it be necessary to encourage and assist men and women to convert the desert into gardens by giving them roa'ls and conveniences ot access, then there is a great j deal to be pud in favour of i the distribution in the way of subsidy of money raised from the wealth of the whole colony. In this view of tbe case, - the principle of subsidies is good ; but- , what is needed is the discovery ot a , satisfactory method of distribution. Tbe concluding words of our contemporary's article all will agree with. •• It is, we > consider, of the gravest importance to the well-being of the people that the local > governing bodies should be wel] in funds, co that they may effectively carry out their functions. Tbere is an almost indefinite field for beneficial expenditure in town and oountry, and especially would L we cay that tbe local bodies are tbe proper medium through which colonisation can be effected,"