Original Correspondence.

Auckland Chronicle and New Zealand Colonist, Volume 2, Issue 25, 24 January 1844, Page 2

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the Auckland Chronicle. SrR :In the Auckland Times of the 16th instant, a letter appeared signed “ Periens Agricola,” the writer of which appears to labour under a grievious error with respect to the effect of the taxes about to be imposed by the Government in lieu of the present branch of the Revenue derived under the Customs Ordinance. Tiuly '* Periens Agricola” appearsto be in despair, he has imbibed an idea of ruin at a measure, that if bis exireme misery will allow him again to reflect on, he will absolutely find to be one to him, and to those “ likely soon to be numerous,* of the utmost benefit. t I presume “Periens Agricola,” will admit tha* the Couuoil in considerably reducing one branch of the Revenue, have the necessity inflicted upon them of raising the deficiency in another shape, and from whom can the deficiency be raised, with more justice than from those, wbo must by the natural flow of constquences, be considerably” benefilted by the modification ol ail existing tax. By carrying through the Council the measure contemplated by His Excellency, with respect to the Customs, a certain and large increase of our shipping trade must arise, and a sufficient induces ment be held out to whalers to seek their supplies from us ; as also to ships of every description requiring repairs or refreshments. The trade of all our ports will be consequently multiplied, ademand for labour will be thus soon cheated, rendering emigration to onr settlements an object to the unemployed in the neighbouring colonif-s, independent of the extensive emigration now in progress from England. And who may I ask “ Periens Agricola ’’ will receive the greatest benefit from these events ?—can. he shew that it will not be the agriculturist, for whose produce there tnust henceforth exist a steady demand; In return, what will be exacted from them ? A tax, doubtless moderate, on tbe objects which will be the means, of his joining in the benefits thus conferred. A tax which independent of its being one (he should not grumble at), will be lightenediudirectly by his being able to procure wine &c., at St less price than heretofore, On the whole therefore, I think there can be little for “ Pereins Agricola, * to complain of. If he bas “dearly bought” hi’s land—the fault is his own. He will shortly be in a better position than he ever was to render bis land profitable by cultivation, and available for his interest in many other modes. If “ Periens Agricola” is sincere in saying that he should feel happy in “transferring his land gratis to any individual” I have no doubt he will find plenty to take it off his hands. I should be very glad to do so—but I would advise him to retain it, and employ himself in clearing his uncultivated land, to keep the plough going, and instead of indulging in gloomy prognostications, put? himself in the way ot being one of the first participators in the good things which must result from the contemplated change. I remain, Sir, your Obedient Servant, SCRUTATOR. Auckland, Jan. 22, 1844.