NOTES OF THE DAY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1869, 1 October 1913, Page 6

NOTES OF THE DAY.

It is not surprising that Sir Joseph Ward should endeavour to smother up the facts disclosed in the return of law oosts paid by the Continuous Ministry, of which ho was a member, to certain legal firms for servioes rendered in connection with the compulsory acquisition of large estates. He knows perfectly well that it was not the legal firms who figured in the return who called forth the strictures of the member for Waitemata and others who have commented on the disclosure. It was tho Government which pursued the policy of "spoils to the victors" that was censured. As to the payments to the firm of Findlay, Dalziell, and Co., it is, we believe, true, as we mentioned yesterday, that Sir John Findlay did not share in the profits earned by his firm after he became a Minister of the Crown—except by way of fixed annual payment—but that does not alter the fact that the firm was favoured far and away beyond all ottiers. Why? Has anyone for a moment any doubt on the subject? Practically one-half' the money spent in law costs went to the firm of Findlay, Dalziell, and Co., and the major -portion of the balance went to firms of known leanings towards the Continuous Ministry. Why is it that all these fees should have drifted so consistently into the pockets of friends of tho then Government? How comes it that those who were indifferent to or opposed to the "Liberalism" practised by tho Continuous Ministry were left out in the cold? Does Sir Joseph Ward really think that the people of the Dominion will believe that there is no significance in the manner in which this money was expended? Ho may think that the people will accept tho view that the sole purpose actuating the Government was the public interest. That it was always for the public good that tho money should go into the pockets of the friends of the Government. But he is notably a poor judge of public opinion; possibly because he under-rates the intelligence of the average man and woman.

The Loan Bill which came before tho House of Representatives yesterday afforded opportunity for a flood of talk concerning loan raising, and the finances of the country generally. [Ilj b aiyto astoniehios. to. note tho

numbor of financiers in the present Parliament, but still more astonishing to observe the extraordinary manner in which they repeat their, speeches. The member for Avon, for instance, last evening enjoyed himself immensely with a rehash of a speech which, we should say, he has delivered on at least three occasions previously this session. It was the same old story of the Government which was the friend of the capitalist endeavouring to raise the price of money. Mr. Russell, of course, knows quite well that the Massey Government had no more to do with the dearness of money than he himself had; and he knows perfectly well that no Government would be so ■stupid as to needlessly arouse popular antagonism by following any such course as suggested, even if it were possible to do so. But he has to find something to hit at the Government with, and apparently this is the best weapon ho can manufacture for the purpose. If the member for Avon were more sincere, and could avoid making it so very evident that he is sacrificing everything for effect, ho might carry weight with the House, instead of merely being an entertaining speaker. During the discussion last evening, it transpired that tho current year's finances are most satisfactory. The revenue for the first five months of the financial year has exceeded that of tho corresponding period of last year by nearly £200,000, and the prospects generally aro much improved.

The Fe.ilding Star has been unkind enough to recall a little incident in the political career of the member for Hutt which is particularly appropriate in vicw_ of tho many columns of virtuouß indignation which Mn._ AVilford has piled up in Hansard in giving vent to his feelings over the failure lof the Minister of Education to, advertise the position to which Mr. Royd Garlick was appointed. But let the Star speak for itself: —

The only fault found with the Minister of Education by the Parliamentary Committee for appointing Mr. Royd Garlick Director of Physical Education was that tho position was not advertised. Mr. T. M. Wilford, instead of withdrawing his assertions after, tho members of his own. party on tho committee had held they were disproved, repeated them and strongly attacked the Minis-ter for not advertising 'the position. And yet this same Mr. AVilford was unseated by twj Judges of the Supremo Court for attempting 1 to influence the vote of an elector by giving him a letter promising to secure him a Government appointment—without advertising, of course. Bat the recipient— a Mr. Mulcahy, if we remember, correctly—advertised 'the letter just too openly for Mr. Wilford. . It is, of course, very shocking to think that such a pillar of political propriety could ever have erred, even so slightly.

A point was made in, the Legislative Council yesterday by tho Hon. J. Duthie which is worth attention. It had reference to the taxation of companies, and was very aptly termed by Mr. Duthie "a tax on enterprise." The tendency hero for some years past unquestionably has been, and still is, to_ regard private enterprise as something encroaching on the rights of the public. It is the result to a largo extent of a false sentiment fostered to serve political ends which went in tho direction of what are described as • State enterprises. In oertain directions State enterprise is an admirable thing, but private enterprise properly directed is equally, if not more, so. Where would the industries of this _or any other country be but for the enterprise of the private individual? It is the private individual who, singly or in company with others, has risked his capital and done all the pioneering work to develop our industries. In some cases success has attended his efforts, and in others failure and loss of capital have followed; If he loses his money he meets with little sympathy. When he succeeds he is penalised by special taxation and no consideration is given to his losses, even though' they may have occurred in connection with the very enterprise on which he is being specially taxed. We .discussed the subject recently in dealing with the proposed increase in the taxation of company profits, when we pointed out the unfairness of taxing individual shareholders —persons often of small means—on the basis of the total earnings of the (iompany in which they held a share interest. Thdt is to say, a shareholder receiving £50 a ye(ir from his interest irf a company, is taxed at the same rate on that amount as a person receivinir £5000 a year. No doubt, as Mr. Duthie pointed out, this system of taxation is unjust, and a distinct discouragement to private individuals to invest their money in company enterprises likely to prove of benefit to the public generally.

Mr. M. J. Reardon, of the Trades and Labour Council, lias received further subscriptions towards the relief of tho starving children in Dublin. The fund was commenced on Monday by an anonymous donation of £10, and yesterday Mr. Roardon Was handed sums of £5 and £1 by two other Wellington residents, whoso names ar© not to bo disclosed. The money will be forwarded to tho High Commissioner, together with any other contributions that may bo forthcoming. <. A deputation from the Drivers' TJnion waited on the Finance Committee of the City Council yesterday to ask for an increase in tho rates of pay and to make representations on tho question of hours and holidays. Tho Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luko) advised tho deputation to put their case in writing so that it might bo circulated among members of the committeo and considered at the next meeting. The deputation, promised to act as advised. AN EXCEPTIONAL TALBOT OFFER. A motor-car can be made to serve in various capacities, and its sphere of usefulness is being extended daily, aa the economy and reliability of tho potroldrivcn vehicle is more fully appreciated. We have at present in our garago at Christckurch a Talbot car which is equipped for almost any kind of service, 'recreative or commercial. It is one of those big, powerful' 15-25 h.p. models, equal to any load on any grade, and although it is second hand it has, like all 'J'albots, proved its durability and honesty of construction by remaining in excellent condition. The car is equipped with two alternative bodies. The first is a regulation 5-6 seatcr touring body, room.v, comfortablo and newly finished in French groy lined with black. Then there is a van body, of a typo suitablo cither for service as a passenger brake, or the carriage of merchandise. This body can bo painted any colour, according to tho purchaser's desire. A very completo equipment, including lamps, hood, wiudscreen, cyclometer, Iluom, spar© wheel, etc., goes with tho car. The utility of such .'v vehicle to the country hotelkeeper or coach proprietor eaa hardly be overestimated, whilo the 'magnificent, reputation of tho Talbot is a guarantee of freedom from mechanical troubles and repairs. Tho wliolo outfit, chassis, two bodies, and full equipment is ofl'ered at the extremely low price of .£375. TJio opportunity is exceptional and may not recur. Those interested aro invited to communicate with us. Adams, Ltd., Jlotor and Cycle Importers,. Garage, Tuam Street. Chrktohureh, ueax High Street. ortabHshnioflt,—Adrt,