Gore.

Southland Times, Issue 4897, 25 March 1884, Page 2

Gore.

♦ fFEOM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.) The resolution of the Waimea Railway Company to levy a tax on all settlers benefited by the construction of the railway—especially such a ridiculously extortionate one as is represented by 3s 4d inthe £I— has given rise to mu^h private discussion in this district. No public manifestation of displeasure has taken plaoe, but if the payment of the tax is enforced I anticipate that but little &hort of open rebellion will b« the result. On many of our settlers this burden will fall with peculiar harshness. For example, dozens of farmers have bought and paid for their farms since the construction of the line, and after the land had attained its maximum value ; and now, to be compelled to pay a tax of more than treble the amount of any other tax imposed upon them, and which they had no conception would be levied, does indeed seem a decided injustice. Moreover, it is said that all property-holders in Gore are also liable. I fail to see the benefits derived by these from the construction of this troublesome railway. When the taxcollector visits us, I envy not his poßitiou, and then you may expect to hear much more of this matter. The Gordon Mutual Improvement Society held its first meeting of the session on Thursday last. Mr Gilchrist, president, occupied the chair. The principal business transacted was the election of officebearers for the year 1884. The following were elected :— Mr J. Neill, president ; Mr A. Aitken, vice-president; Mr John McCaw, secretary ; and Messrs Forbes and Gardiner, members of committee. — An offer to read a paper by Mr Arch. Fletcher, solicitor, was received, and accepted with thanks. —About thirty probable members attended the meeting, seventeen of whom signed the roll-book as members. — The next meeting takes place in the Presbyterian Church, on the 3rd April, when an address by the newly-elected president, and a selection of readings by other members will form the business to be transacted. . March 22nd, 1884.