WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2 1912.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 2 October 1912, Page 2

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2 1912.

LAND AND INCOME TAX. THERE is not much to say except that the Bill now through the House, being out of reach of the Council's amendment — being a money Bill —is practically as good as on the Statute book. It is inthe right direction, the direction accepted by all shades of political opinion, except the single taxers. But as these are unlikely to find a solid backing outside of the mental hospitals, they do not count for much. The turn of the screw additional may be enough or not. But that is a point which can be settled by practical experience and amendment if necessary One good thing in the Bill is the sensible graduation by a scale which rises according to reasonable steps, not by leaps and jumps which make the present system the laughing stock of all men. Why this scale is not in the measure which is supposed to enact it, and is to be found only in the annual Assessment Bill which will throw it out at any moment, passes comprehension. As it also passes the comprehension of some members of the Cabinet, perhaps the point may receive further consideration. The Council may make suggestions in antique type with due respect for the majesty of the representatives, and these can in their lordly independence listen to reason if they please. Moreover, there is nothing to prevent the Government from suddenly repenting and sending down the necessary amendment by Governor's message.

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE. It is regretable that the Civil Service Commission which made, according to the judgment of all political men, a valuable report should have aimed a blow at the Public Trust Office. The statement is that the office did not realise its estates always with the best results. This the Public Trustee has answered with a statement of figures showing that in five districts,, estates aggregating over a quarter of a million, have been realised at prices ruling from forty to one hundred and ten per cent over the Government valuation, being an aggregate of 80 per cent to the good. Incidentally, the doctor took the opportunity of showing how much better placed the office is than any private trustee, inasmuch as by advancing on the securities it can either enable them to be sold to the best advantage or nursed by the beneficiaries in such a manner that practically there are never any forced sales. Now none of the officers were examined by the Commission. It is clear therefore, that their judgment was based 011 the information unsubjected to cross-examination of interested parties. The defence of the Trustee therefore stands out with illuminating force. His report for the year shows the need for the bestowal of more power on the deputy trustees at the centres—a thing, the need for which is proved to the most careless readers of the newspapers by the announcement that Dr. Fitchett has been taken ill through overwork. All those doing business with the office know as much, because they have frequently been irritated beyond endurance by the reference of petty details of thing's to the head office. The minister in charge of the . department thinks it will be well to add to the staff an inspector of realisations, and this is to be commended, not that the realisations are bad,'but that the new inspectors will still further diminish the undesirable proportion of concentration. Besides the presence of special custodians in the matter of the realisation of estates will do much to prevent the public from taking panic views by the publication of incidental criticisms. A department of suchusefulness and such rapidly extending influence must be safeguarded at all hasards against the misunderstandings to which all financial and fiduciary institutions are subject.

The first meeting of the newly elected Town Board took place last

Towjt Thursday afternoon, ■ when Board Mr Jas. McLeod was chosen to sit upon the Ministerial bench at the table head, the place fillei by Mr Jas. Stewart during the last two years. Although the party now in -power is strong, the final division being 4—l, the new Opposition, weak numerically, offered a strong fighting front, and kept the Head Minister's best attention for the whole of the sitting. The parties of the newBoard are 2 Ministerial 2 Independents, and 1 on tlie Opposition bench. The new Government have decided to have two meeting days instead of one a month, which is really necessary now that the Drainage and Water Schemes are under way. The discussion on giving control of the Hot Springs over to the Tourist Department was ably stonewalled by Mr Stewart, the Opposition member, who contended that the matter should come before the people. The Head Minister was in favour of letting them go, but Mr Wilson at his left, wanted to know what they were going to spend, and Mr Becroft' (Independent) wanted a promise from the Government to develop the Springs before he would part with them. Numerous resolutions were moved and a number, carried, the final, proposed by Mr McLeod (chairman), and seconded by Mr Hand (Independent), "That this Board is prepared to hand over the Springs to the Government if they will place a sum on the estimates for development this session," received the support of all with the exception of the Opposition member, who opposed it, contending it was a matter for the people to decide. The matter Avill no doubt be further dealt with when the Government's replies are on the order paper at a future meeting. Everyone is. agreed that the very best Government requires a strong opposition to bring out the best points of any question, and the present Opposition has always a chance of assistance from the Independent members. On the whole we think the present Board will do good work.