THE SHEEP TAX.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2478, 14 August 1903, Page 2

THE SHEEP TAX.

In some things the funnel's are too considerate of others, unl they are inclined to suffer long without demanding relief. Recently one section <>f the Union was discussing the sheep tax, and while some grumbled at the levy the majority were of opinion that it might lie better to retain it because more stock inspectors are now required, owing to the develpmentof the dairying industry. Now the purpose for which the' sheep-tax was originally levied lias long since been attained, but every (lovernment has a natural disinclination to lose a means of revenue, and will retain any tax until pressure causes its removal. In the days when this tax was imposed it was necessary to stamp out scab, and the sheepfarmers accepted the impost meekly, though they might, if combined, have justly asked the < Government of the day to pay the inspectors out of the consolidated fund, seeing that then the prosperity of the colony, and its very stability, mainly depended on the production of wool. Now the colony's financial position entirely depends on the success of its production of wool, frozen meat, butter, cheese and Mix, and the producers may fairly ask that out of the general taxation —to which they arc the largest contribu-tors-the salaries of any necessary officials shall be provided without resort to any special taxation of an industry. Contrast with this special tax and the small number of inspectors employed, the manner in which the Labor Lnionists arc treated. The name is legion of the officials employed to look after lubor interests, and there is talk of appointing even more inspectors of awards. But we do not hear of any special tax being levied on Labor Unionists to provide for their salaries. Why then should the farmer receive exceptional, bid treatment!— -' Farmers' Advocate.'