INSULAR SEPARATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9151, 5 September 1888, Page 3

INSULAR SEPARATION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — is evident that the North is*at the mercy of the South. The majority of the Auckland members did their best to reduce expenditure and stop the squandering upon useless railways, etc., in the South, but of what avail? They were simply laughed at, made fools of, called a " skinflint committee," etc. We all admire the pluck and persistency of Mr. Vaile, but what does it avail ? Are not the Ministry the nominees of land-owners, railway schemers, and steamship owners of the South ? What if he proves, as he has done, that various lines do not pay working expenses, let alone interest ? If it suite the wire-pullers of the South the taxpayers of the country must make up the loss; the railways thus being a curse and a burden instead of a bleesing and profit. The same with the Frisco Service. It does not suit the shipowners of the South, therefore we are bound to a slower and more costly one— outvoted every way. What is the result of this outvoting ? We have forced upon us two costly railway schemes—the MidlandChristchurch line over barren hills, to carry coals from the West Coast that can be taken round by water at far less cost. Bub it must be done in order to fill the pockets of land-owners along the line. Then the Otago-Central, with its prospective traffic of one train a week. If the WellingtonTaranaki line will not pay working expenses, what will be the loss upon the two lines abovementioned ? It seems to me astounding that in the face of the wretched mismanagement proved by Mr. Vaile, the country should suffer the Ministry to hand over the railways to commissioners composed of the present incapables. Are we not burdened with taxation sufficiently now ? I state my own case, believing there are many corresponding to it. This year my entire income (up to the present time) is less than property tax, highway, and other rates combined. Is there any remedy for these evils ? I believe there is, but in insular separation only. Let the people demand this—agitate, agitate, until tney get it. It is of no use sending representatives to Wellington, they are simply outvoted and drewned. Let separation be the cry ! If we had insular separation and Hare's system of representation (recommended by Professor Aldis), there would be hope for relief from our present burdens, and a fair prospect of prosperity. am, &0., OVER-BURDENED TAXPAYER. September 3, 1888.