hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JULY 28th, 1920. A BROKEN PROMISE.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1920, Page 2

hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JULY 28th, 1920. A BROKEN PROMISE.

Ail immediate and thorough reform of xho system of both direct and indirect taxation, so as to make it more equitable in incidence, with a substantial reduction of taxation at the earliest possible date. Tub foregoing paragraph is a plank from Mr Massey’s pre-election platform in December last. Last night in tlie House Mr Massey said: “I regret t' at ! am unable to bold out any immediate prospect of an appreciable reduction in taxation ; indeed it may have to continue on the higher basis for some time.” This extract from fliq Financial Statement discloses bow completely the promise referred to lias been broken and facts are making plain now that even the statement in tlie Financial Statement is short of the actual practice. Take the new tariff for postal and telegraph facilities. The “higher -basis” imposed by war-times is being added to and rates are being fixed at one hundred per cent above pre-war charges. This with a public facility department like the post and telegraph is an astounding position, and we shall probably have something revealed of a similar nature with regard to the railways. Last year postal revenue showed an increase of £132,000 over the previous year, and railways an increase ol £790,000. Land tax on the other hand showed an increase of only £45,000, and was £450,000 less in the aggregate than the postal revenue. We do not hear that the land tax is increased,; nor the incidence overhauled in any way. A lucrative source of revenue is evidently not going to be luirrassed. It

is certainly :m opportune time to do so, and the country expects something more than platitudes at this juncture. Tf the very excessive load of war taxation is to ho continued—contrary to promise—over years of peace, then it is all the more incumbent upon the Government. and upon the Parliament, to lose no time in re-adjusting the burden according to scientific and fair principles which .had to he side tracked when the taxes were imposed hurriedly during the war. The exemptions in inspect of families ought to be considerably extended. The present t oucession j to unmarried persons should he sensibly reduced.* The system of collecting from the profit- of companies should ho alter-* ed so that the shareholders pay jpg tp their individual capacity. The ad valorem niethod of taxing imports should he abolished or modified, since it lias become quite a factor in the increased cost of living. Valuations of land should be revised throughout the Dominion to bring in legitimate revenue and to remove the injustice of taxing some people on ancient and some oa t modern values. Then the landholders should lie called upon to increase their contiribution to the national revenue, in view of the enormous prosperity whicli the war lias showered upon them. These and other aspects of the subject of taxation ought to be gone into thoroughly, even if- taxation could be reduced (according to promise) ; as the Prime Minister can only promise not to increase taxation at present, and as the people must consequently continue in peace years to struggle under the burden of war taxes, plus increased charges for services, it is the plain duty of Parliament to make large readjustments —and to do it now; but there is neither prospect nor hope of this from last night’s Financial Statement.

Tlio Financial Statement wan delivered last night. A large amount of the matter appears in this issue, appearing on the fourth page. Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister of Education, has written Mr geddon M.P., stating ro the establishment of a school at Maxtor's Mill, Upper Crossing, “I have pleasure in informing you that the Canterbury Board has now been informed thac the Department has no objection to offer to the proposal.”

Tlie War Memorial Committee yesterday made a provisional selection of the memorial to be erected on Cass Square. The designs submitted are on view at tlio County Chambers, where any contributors may call and inspect the designs. Further information is to he gleaned regarding the favoured designs, oil receipt of whic.li the committee will come to a prompt decision. A female patient at the Mental Hospital, who died on Monday very suddenly, was one of the ‘‘oldest inhabitants ” on Sea View Hill. In 1872 she was removed from the hospital ward South Hokitika, to Sea View, where she has passed 48 years of her life. She was of a quiet disposition, and was engaged till late*years in domestic duties, performing general work about the institution.

The purchasers of the wrecked Paeroa lost no time yesterday in commencing salvaging operations. These are now proceeding apace, and it is hoped to have a. good deal of the machinery ■<■- covered to-day. The funnel went overboard yesterday and lodged in dee]) water. It- is hoped to secure same today. The mizzen mast has gone also. A large quantity of material has been removed, and while the weather is so favourable the work is being expedited as much as possible. The Special euchre tournament and dance takes place at St Mary’s Club rooms this evening at 8 o’clock. Handsome prizes have been donated by Mesdaines W. Keller, J. Cameron, G. Stephens, and Miss Davies; and Messrs M. MeGaven and J. J. Breeze Jr. There will lie keen competition for the prizes for the 45’s tournament, quite a number having signified their intention o) competing. The committee have all arrangements in hand to a commodate the largest gathering yet held in the rooms. —Advt.

Tlio design for the local war memorial is a. simple one in appearance. The proposed cenotaph is of Grecian architecture without any undue ornamentation. The canopy is supported by four fluted pillars ,which will he marble probably, and the base and canopy of granite material. The pedestal under the canopy which will bear the names of the honoured dead, will be of granite, possibly black with gilded lettering, which is suggested would have a rich appearance. The monument is to be raised on a concrete base with approach steps, and there will be a. sloping grass sward over which ivy will be trained. The grounds immediately surrounding will be ornamental and two or more rest seats provided for the comfort of those visiting the cenotaph. The memorial promises to he one of stately simplicity befitting the occasion. Not less than £l5O is still required to clear the cost, and it is expected this will be forthcoming in due course. •‘‘Ladies! you will be delighted to know that NO RUBBING LAUNDRY HELP takes the dirt and smudge out of clothes without the distressing rubbing customary in the weekly washing. Just Landed—lso cases cooking and desert apples 7/6 to 9/6 according to variety. Also 300 bales pressed lucerne hay from Blenheim. Paterson Micbel and Co., Ltd., Wharf Street. Phone No 2.—Advt.

Colombo Teas. Coffee, and Cocoa. Cheapest and best in the market. Agent for compressed yeast. Obtainable at McLean’s store, Revell Street, Hokitika, and at Knniara Junction. Sole agent for Westland. — Advt. The best friend in winter is a “UNI-

QUE” HOT WATER BOTTLE. Patent stopper, cannot leak, heavy seams, cannot crack. All sizes, obtainable everywhere. Ala Ice sure of brand when buying. Damp feet usually result in a cold. Get “MAZO!..” No ioid is Nazol-|> oof. OH 'loses Is i'i l. Chemists and stoics. i Keep warm and cosy every night with a “UNIQUE” British made HOT WATER BOTTLE. Heavily vulcanised seams, cannot leak or burst. On sale everywhere. Look for the brand on neck of bottle.