Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. SATURDAY, MAY 31, 1913. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10660, 31 May 1913, Page 4

Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. SATURDAY, MAY 31, 1913. EDITORIAL NOTES.

THERE seems to be real necessity for action on the part of farmers to manage their own affairs so far as shipniug produce is concerned. It is stated that at the conclusion of the conference of the Farmers’ Union at Mastertou, a strong movement was set on foot to obtain general and concerted action among farmers for the purpose of getting their own shipping facilities for wool and other produce. It will certainly pay the farmers to secure such facilities, and it is necessary to do this immediately. The Shipping Companies, of course, like the Labour Unions, aro studying only their own interests, and it is fairly clear how each could to benefit by combination. At any time the shipping interests may combine, and though there is legislation preventing commercial combines within New Zealand, 7 ;; it is difficult to see how the owners of ocean-going vessels could be prevented from combining. Then if combination with waterside worker;; ia ellected, it will be too late for farmers or any others to attempt to establish independent lines for the transport of produce. The comiianies could readily arrange for too waters! ders not to work other vessels than' their own. and in return for tins protac-

feioa oT what would be a monopoly the watersidcra would be permitted to mats any charts they pleased for their services. The producer would pa;/, of course, and up would go freights am: waves. There arc splendid openings for co-operation j by the farmery, and tide is c us • which should ccmnsss itself not only for economical reason-, but because safety is de.-irablo. The farmers have. already shown how beneficial co-operation .has been in such matters as tire insurance, and they should move on and deal with larger things for vhlch time are paying heavily under present conditions, and may be made to pay much more unless sdiey secure themselves, ALL over the Dominion ail persona iu receipt of income have bemi making up returns of the same j which must bo sent iu by Idcndcy 1 | nest under a penalty of nos levy ! | than £3 nor more than £IOO and pay- ; I meat of treble duty. If ibis was the | \ only tan levied, and if it was mil- \ \ versa I, it might bo justifiable, but I j trader existing conditions it is | f iniquitous. It is made essentially a | f 01a.53-t.ax, and though every person | |is expected to send in n return the j i tax is levied only c,u thoio in ■ | receipt of income of over £3OO from | i business, e:rq;doymer fc or emolument. I ;No distinction is made between in- \ f conic derived from exertion or skill, | ; and that from horifcag.3 or specula- I < ticn. As a rule the income from ; ; employment and professional work > \ ends with the death of tho earner, {

j and his skill or energy cannot bo i devisee! to his family, while pro• I part;/ in any substantial form can bo : transmitted to the heirs. Moreover ' i most people :n receipt of i’nnmm;, uxe ; I compelled to live nearly up to them, ; ■ and ia doing so they contribata at > 5 least u third to the Gnstomj re- 1 ; vena?, and a a income car: penalises i them up to b;d pur ceir <r ‘ r balance over xtdiOO ami S per cent, if < . the balance exceeds £IOOO. if ai in;,-, cm texio cfitchmcl as well as* ■ Onotomo unties, vhon it chcxhi be ; made universal, without exemptions of any kind, The taxpayers then ; would all have interest in securing J economical admin istrasiin, and it ; was Id no longer bu a oLv.so tax. | Among its defects is the fact that I it taxes a minority, whiio the majority control its expenditure! THE hysterical female anarchists I • who call themesiyes “Suffragettes,’, ' (

®till continue to do deeds for which ] men would be very effectually punished, or be removed as dangers to society. The outrages devised by. these women not only cause great injury to property but are also dangerous to life. When no one knows where or when a bomb may explode, wrecking property and hurling human beings into eternity, it is evident that something like a reign of terror prevails. The opera- | tions of these unsexed creatures are j also extending to India and other countries where women do not possess votes, and it is obvious that soicety will be forced to devise some efficient means of protection or provide some deterrent punishment.

IT was stated some time ago that the Panama Canal would be open for traffic early nest year, and in anticipation of this the shipping companies have been making preparations. But Nature continues to fight against the Yankees, and the troublesome Gulebra Cut has been the scene of another disaster, which may take many months to repair. This gigantic work by the time it is finished will have cost very much more than the original estimate, and it seems doubtful whether it will be a reliable means of communication between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. It is possible that the proposal for a canal through Nicaragua may yet be given effect.