The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, SEPT. 4, 1886. The Revenue and the Cash System

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 36, 4 September 1886, Page 2

The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, SEPT. 4, 1886. The Revenue and the Cash System

The Customs revenue for the month of August for the whole colony was £108,641, and during the corresponding period last year £121,026, a falling off of £12,385, or £148,620 per annum. That is supposing the deficiency were to repeat itself each succeeding month. Although at first glance it may appear that the revenue has received a very severe shock, yet a little reflection will show that this apparent evil may be an actual bleß- j sing. Because, consumers having pt4 l £121,000 in duties one month, and only £108,000 in another, it follows as a natural consequence that what appears as a loss to the revenue, is a gain to the people. That is to say, in the month of August this year, consumers actually saved £13,000 which would otherwise have been squandered in luxuries. Wo do not question that this economy has been forced on them by tho depression which has ©htained so long, but there can be no stronger evidence that peoare learning by experience to live within their incomes and pay off old debts before creating new ones. If this lesson can be deeply impressed on the hearts and minds of heads of families, or others whose ways have led them into the pleasant paths of debt where no thorns are found until the day of reckoning comos, a great benefit will have been done to the colony at large. For many years past, from the Government of the day down to the smallest and least important Road Board in the colony, the idea seems to have prevailed to pay "current expenses out of loan," or to spend their revenues before they have earned them, by getting into debt. In ordinary social life the same rule has obtained with the result that the bankruptcy court has been the haven of hundreds of men whose aggregate earnings, during the past four or five years, would have more than supplied all the necessaries of life, with many of its luxuries, had they lived within their means, or kept out of debt, which is about the same thing. A certain amount of indebtedness is excusable in those who can meet any demand suddenly made upon them, but it is almost criminal in others who cannot pay a five pound debt to-day to increase their indebtedness without limit while the good nature of the tradesmen remains unruffled. But " Those who seek equity should giro equity" is a legal axiom which may be well applied by trades people themselves, only in different words, /Those who seek cash should pay cash." We may say there is room for a change for the better in this respect. The cash system is becoming more popular every day, and the stronger footing it gains the better for everyone. That it has its effect on the total amount spent in the colony and consequently on the Customs revenue is apparent, and we hope such effect will be permanent as thereby the revenue would be solidified and less liable to violent fluctuations as it is at present.