TO TAX BACHELORS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8801, 1 May 1907, Page 4

TO TAX BACHELORS.

Mr G. ?B. Bnrgin, tlio novelist, :»im-k'.i.r a w-nvied man, would have »I 1 inohelors pay taxes, says the ' * Morning Leader." And this opinion Mr Burgiu is not keeping to himself, for he has just moved a resolution before the Highgate Debating Society to the following effect: —

That in view of the fact that it is necessary to broaden the basis of taxation, it is desirable that bachelors should be taxed. Were Mr Burgiu content to keep this sort of thing to himself, all might ho well; but obviously Mr Burgiu is taking the matter seriously, and, therefore, it was high time when a Morning Leader representative, and a bachelor, went round to sec Mr Burgiu (choosing a moment when Mrs Burgiu was uot at home) to have a quiet heart-to-heart talk with him.

Pressed to amplify his resolution, Mr Burgiu began : "I consider that bachelors ought to be taxed, that they do not at present contribute their fair quota to the State. I "Arc you suggesting," asked the Morning Leader bachelor pleasantly*'"that bachelors are not sufflciently taxed, and that in order to supply the deficiency they should bo made to take a wife."

"No-o," said Mr Burgin, looking uncomfortably at Mrs Burgin's portrait; "no-o, not exactly that, but I do think '' "What ago--would you tax bachelors at?" asked the Morning Leader representative coldly. ' "I wouldn't tax them until they \yere thirty,," replied Mr Bnrgiu eagerly, "so that they could have a good run for their money, and also, that they could have- " '' And at what rate would the taxation be?" pursued the Morning Loader representative frostily. "I would charge them five per cent on their income tax .when they were 30," said Mr Burgin promptly and still eagerly, ' 'and a further 2% per cent when they got to 40." "And after thatV"

"After that," replied Mr Burgin, with an uncomfortable attempt at a

laugh, " don't thiuk they would be worth bothering about—l think they might left alone. . . Personsilly, I consider marriage to be ennobling, to be " "Before going into the ethics of the ease," said the Morning Leader bachelor, "I should just like to know what yon would do—l ask merely for information—in the case of a man who wanted to get married, who had tried hard to get married, who had, in fact, devoted his life to attaining that objeet, but failed because no-woman would ac- ' cept himV And again what would you do in the case of a man who • "also wanted to get married, but who felt that lie had not sufficient to ask a wife to share?" Mr Burgin gazed long and thoughtfully at the ceiling, and then in a corresponding manner and for a corresponding period at the floor, "Really," he said at length, 'well, now-or, let me see; ah, yes, I have it, how stupid of me, of course—Mr Burgin cleared his throat—"in a great cause there must always bo some who suffer for the good of the greater number.'' The Morning Leadeer representative rose, took up his hat, and went to the door. "If that's all you've got to say," lie said, enough said.

"But it isn't," said Mr Burgin, "not by a long way, but you don't give mo a chance to speak. I wanted to toll you that in the case of a- bachelor having to help relatives, he should be exempt. I also want to say, if you will allow me to say it, that I do consider marriage to be a splendid thing for a man, that it brings out what is best in him, that it teaches him consideration and tenderness for others, that " But the Morning Leader bachelor had gone.