Taxation.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 64, 5 September 1890, Page 2

Taxation.

■ HMMviVIM TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I have read a good deal lately in the Guardian with regard to fair and unfair tajces, and am rather of opinion that all taxes are unfair. I do not know much about the subject, but ! have got an idea that those who are the host able should pay the taxes with due consideration for the best interests of the country. There is much in what “Manaroa” says I agree with, especially with regard to jewellery and other valuables, for I do not see why so much wealth should be tied up. I can hardly agree with him, however,

that the property-tax is fairer for the small farmer than a.land-tax would be. I believe that any man who makes the best use of his time, money,-and--ability-to the direct advantage of the State should be the least liable to taxation. For instance, the State gives a reward for, the discovery of,-a ,new,, goldfield which increases ' the’ "-wealth of the country, then why should not a man who cultivates his farm to the greatest possible extent be likewise rewarded by at least being asked to pay as little as possible in the way of taxation. All will agree that a highly cultivated farm ds a direct gain to the State, and. instead of being more, as- he now iis : under the property-tax;, he should; pay less in proportion to the improvements he has made ... For -this reason I entirely disagree wfth this new.craze, for a single-tax. I hear a good deal of talk about, settling people on the land, but it is manifestly unfair to get people to undertake the laborious task of bringing a piece ‘of land to a high state ’of: cultivation, arid then ask them to pay all the taxes. ' This is not the way to' encourage settlement, and I repeat, that to entice people out of the towns, and to encourage them'to improve the land to the greatest ‘.extent the State should make the taxation as light as possible.; -To. be ,a .nation of farmers would be far preferable to a nation of shop-keepers,- and the wealth created by the former would be a decided gain, but in thedatterhase it'is 'xather. a disadvantage to the country. I would like to see this great question thoroughly ventilated, and hence my reason for troubling you. ... ~ I am, &c., , ■i ■ Ventilator. /