THE POLITICAL ARENA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2, 29 April 1912, Page 5

THE POLITICAL ARENA.

CIVIL SERVICE REFORM. (Per Press Association.) Auckland, April 26. Speaking of the delay in opening up native lands and the lack of surveyors, the Prime Minister, in ids speech last night, said complaints had been made that the examinations were too severe, and the pay inadequate. Mention of pay suggested the question of the Civil cSrvice, about which a great deal was heard from Wellington that was from the point of view of the Civil Servant. People should look at the subject from the masters' point of view, and decide whether they were getting the service which they expected. He declared the system of promotion byi seniority would never do in a progressive country; the Government must select the best men, and crack its fingers at those who talked of political favouritism. He was not thinking- of a Civil Service Board, which was but a patchwork proposal, like putting a new lid on a cracked pot. He had a sincere desire to bring the Civil Service up to the requirements of the country, and wished to see a thorough investigation of its methods. INCREASED GRADUATED LAND TAX CONTEMPLATED. UNEARNED 'INCOMES. Auckland, April 26. Changes in taxation, which rumour has it that the Mackenzie Government intends to introduce, were mentioned to the Premier this morning by a reporter before he left Auckland, and he said it was quite true that they intended to go in for increasing the graduated land tax. They would probably begin the increase in properties worth about £30,000 on the unimproved valuation. "It is also our intention," said Mr Mackenzie, "to differentiate between earned and unearned income, and concessions should bo made in the case of heads of fam r ilies. This question of families must be very fully considered in connection with the defence of the Dominion. A mother put her case very clearly before me the other day. She said, 'I have reared five stalwart sons, and I believe in every youth being trained to defend his country; but what 1 object to is that my sons may be called upon and shot for defending the country for men who will not marry, and of wealthy men who have no children. I don't mind all my care, selfdenial, and economy for my sons, but something should be done to make those who have wealth and no families do more for the defence of the country.' There is a lot of force in that, and he must fully take into our consideration this matter of making concessions to those bo have done inestimable service to the State by rearing large families." PRESENTATION TO MR. JENNINGS. Te Kuiti, April 26. The Premier arrived at To Kuiti at 4 p.m. to-day, and opened a new Municipal Chambers and Coronation Library. Mr Mackenzie and the Native Minister received important deputations concerning the tenure of native townships. Mr Macdonald agreed that some alteration would probably be advisable. He held that much had been done in settling native lands, in the past twelve months. Three hundred and fifty thousand acres had passed by sale and leass. Tangitu settlers asked for road work to carry them through the winter. As yet there had been no return from the sections, and road work was stopped. The settlers must do the work or else abandon their sections. Relief was promised by the Minister. Replying to local deputations, the Premier said that the voice of the country at the last election had said that there must be less borrowing, and if that were adopted there would be less money available for public works. Personally he was inclined to follow the voice of the public and proceed carefully, borrowing less and spending less. The Ministers were entertained by the Borough Council at a dinner, and subsequently attended the presentation of a purse of sovereigns to Mr W. T. Jennings, ex-member for the district. There was a great attendance from all parts of the district, and the proceedings were enthusiastic.