THE INCIDENCE OF TAXATION.

Waipawa Mail, Volume 2, Issue 132, 17 December 1879, Page 2

THE INCIDENCE OF TAXATION.

(to the editor of the waipawa mail.)

Sir, —You Bay, “It is surely no crime to bo rich.” I answer emphatically that in the present condition of society, it is a crime to bo rich, in the ordinary acceptation of the term. It is no crime to be strong, but to use our strength for mere selfish indulgence, when by its exercise wo could save those who are ready to perish, is a crime which merits and receives universal exocration. And what is it to be rich hut to bo in possession of strength or power to do certain things, the doing of which become imperative duties to those who are so circumstanced. The rich, who consume their riches in selfish indulgence to the neglect of relative duties, are liko the four men we read of in 11. Kings, 7th chap., who became suddenly rich, and who were pursuing this selfish conduct, thinking only of themselves, to the neglect of all relative duties ; but they stopped short in their criminal course, and said one to another, We do not well.” And if those who possess riches and power do not stop short in their present selfish course, and having asked one and another, “ Are we doing well ?” and having discovered their error, like those four men, seek speedy to do well ; and if the rich and powerful do not rise above self, and in the spirit of men and of patriots, deal earnestly and honestly with the questiqns affecting the well-being of society, but delay to do right to the great body of the people, it is inevitable hut that of which those four typical rich men were afraid, will come upon them..-r-. Yours, &c., Waipawa, Dec. 15. A. B.