LAND VALUES AND LIQUOR.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5118, 10 November 1903, Page 6

LAND VALUES AND LIQUOR.

Commenting on the subject of the inconsistency of members of Parliament. Mr Thos. Lynch writes:—“ln listening to Mr Taylor on the amendment of the Hating on Unimproved Land Values Bill, I was rather astonished at his arguments in regard to that measure, ns he claims to believe that it is a most equitable system of taxation: but it seems that the rating on land values in Christchurch doubled his rates. Now X have bean led to believe that the first- consideration of Mr Taylor on all subjects is that of justice. I have ; hoard him hold forth frequently on various matters this session; you may judge of n;y surpriso to hoar him give aljout the tamest address ho has yet given on a subject that is of such vital importance; evident'ly the doubling of his rates has been rankling in his mind, and he could l not help but complain. Now, it seems this champion of justice is not prepared to shoulder his just proportion of, taxation; as a matter 1 of fact he was almost pleading that a Bill should bo passed or a clause inserted in this Bill, that ho might be relieved of a portion of his taxes. Mr Taylor has got a lease of some land in Christchurch, and ho signed an agreement to pay all taxes levied on the land, knowing that at any time the people of Christchurch could change the system of taxation if they chose to do so, and Mr Taylor has got the worst end of the bargain. Mark the contrast of Mr Taylor's attitude on the land question and the liquor question. On the former he is a holder of land, and as a consequence he is mild, hesitating and . doubtful about the taxation of land values: but on the latter he has no money invested and does not drink, therefore he is loud, abusive and rampant. Is it because other people's money is invested in the liquor business and he has nothing to loss? No one will deny that there is a great demand for liquor in this country. To supply that demand mien invest thoir money in the business of making and selling liquor, because it is profitable, to do so, the same way that men invest their money in land. But there is a marked difference in the two businesses. No one is compelled by law to drink liquor, and yon are given something in the shape of a labour product for your money; but all are compelled by. law to pay tribute to the land! holders and are given nothing but permission to stay on the earth. The liquor people do not wish to lose either their money or their raonoply, and strive all they know to retain both. They do not make any pretence about their motives; it is purely one of self-interest. But most of the noisiest and abusive 'antipub push’ in this citv pretend that it is purely on account of their love of man; and Mr Taylor leads the van in. Parliament on this very cry.”