ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Auckland Times, Volume 2, Issue 53, 16 January 1844, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Auckland Times. Mr. Editor, — His Excellency Captain Fitzroy, at his Opening Levee challenged discussion on public measures, and one passage in his addiess to the Council, I think demands it. I allude to the means by which the revenue is in future to be raised. The slight protection we poor Agriculturists enjoyed, in the shape of 5 percent on flour, not only being taken /rum us ( hat we could afford,) but every article of our produce beiug proposed to be taxed. Imprimis—r>ur land, already pretty dearly bought, is to be paid tor over again in the shape ot a land tax ; and not content with one measute tor crushing the rising agriculture of the country, his Excellenoy roust forsooth tax both our cattle and horses Is all land to be taxed? If so, who is to pay for the vast tracts of unprotitabie mountain and wood with which this country abounds ; or is the iinposi. tion to extend to land in cultivation by us settlers only, as a premium to land jobbers, and to prevent our competing with the Maories, from whom the collection would be no easy task, if not impossible. On dogs, I admit the tax to be saliuary, they having multiplied so much as to become a nuisance. The tax on houses, and licences on the sale of spirits and wines, appear to be the only portion of the burthen affecting the townspeople, and e v «?n then, not more so than and as to the fees on Transfers and Crown grants, I shall be but too happy, should these measures be carried into effect, in transferring my laod gratis to any individual who can be deluded into paying the fees. I am, Mr. Editor, One of a class likely »">on to be numerous, PERIENS AGRICOLA. Auckland, 15th January, 1844;