THE PROPERTY TAX.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9025, 11 April 1888, Page 3

THE PROPERTY TAX.

to THE editor. • Sir, Would it be advisable to bring before the notice of the Mayor and all .thinking men the holding of a monster meeting at the present time, while Ministers are in Auckland, and invite them to be present to discuss some of the great questions' ,of the day ? The obnoxious and unjust property tax—a tax which is bleeding the country to death, driving capital and' the best men out of the colony, and stopping capital coming into the colony. The best men are going as fast as vessels and means can be found to take them, in many instances leaving their families to be supported by the overburdened tax and ratepayers. Nearly every man that can raise £10 or £20 is off, leaving a great number of non-producers to be a burden on the colony. The so-called retrenchment requires overhauling. Men are discharged, and paid lavish expenses and compensation, &c. Large pensions—some £50,000 or £60,000 , must be reduced. The expense of legislation is too large; As the late Mr. W. J. Hurst stated, there is too much legislation and too many legislators. Some will say, " Leave that question for members to deal with at Wellington." This is the mistake we have made all along. Leave it to members, foresooth ! . Unless the people speak out, and that very emphatically, rulers and members will do little. How many members in the House opposed the reduction of, the honorarium last session A great many gave in with very bad grace. The expenditure of the colony must be brought within the income. Some will say it cannot be done.' Sir, it must be done. The sooner the better it will be for the colony. am, c., J. PAGE.