LEVYING POOR-RATES.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 522, 20 May 1880, Page 3

LEVYING POOR-RATES.

The Government will, during the ensuing session, introduce a Bill to deal with charitable aid. This measure contains a provision for the levying of poor-rates. The imposition of poor rates in a country whose whole history extends over only forty years, a country possessed of immense natural resources and an unsurpassable climate, seems to us absolutely extraordinary. It is easy to understand the necessity of levying poor rates in a densely-populated country like England. Butin New Zealand such a levy' would be an anachronism. If poor rates be necessary in this colony, then Now Zealand is like those “ oldyoung ” men of whom we unfortunately see so many'. Premature ago is always *a melancholy thing, but it is especially sad if it be brought on by notions living. Has Now Zealand lived so fast, that in her early youth she is reduced to the condition of decrepit old age ? We trow not. The question of how best to deal with chariable assistance, is, of course, an exceedingly difficult one. The poor we have always with us, even in the youngest and most prosperous countries. But the Government must, if they 'desire to win popular favor, deal with the affair in some less disagreeable fashion, than by imposing poor-rates on a people already groaning under the burden of taxation.— Pont.