PUBLIC OPINION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15899, 10 April 1912, Page 10

PUBLIC OPINION.

FROM YESTERDAY’S NEWSPAPERS. I (By Telegraph.) LAND TAXATION. We behove that even the graduated land tax should have a twofold object, one the breaking up of largo estates and tho other the provision of revenue out of that value of land which is created by tho activity of the whole peoplo. This would bo secured by a scheme of graduation on the lines of that proposed by tho Hon J. Anstey. Let the graduation start lower down than it does and lot the steps be shorter and moro frequent. Tho revenue would be increased and settlement advanced.—Dunedin “Star.” BRITAIN’S STRIKE TROUBLES.

It is, of course, a matter for great satisfaction to see this strike of miners coming to an end, but wo fear that the manner in which a temporary peace has boon secured, the spirit of the men and the increasing strength of syndicalist influence leave a position heavily charged with the elements of future trouble. Clearly Great Britain has other and moro pressing troubles on hand than tho naval rivalry of Gormany, troubles for which diplomacy offers no amelioration nor Dreadnoughts any solution.— “ New Zealand Times.” COMPULSION OR NOT?

Does the Government intend to enforce tho provision for compulsory training, or does it not? To play tricks with it is to jeopardise and possibly to wreck a scheme which has the warm approval of 90 per cent of our people, and if given a fair chance promises discipline for our young men and safety for the country. When Parliament meets some substitute for imprisonment may bo devised, which will be equally deterrent while keeping clear of the criminal stigma. Meanwhile a Government which practically abolishes imprisonment, while unable to provide under a substitute, is guilty of betraying its trust and truckling to those sinister forces which are arrayed not merely against this law but against every other.—“ Evening Post.”