Rangitikei Advocate. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1907. SECOND EDITION. EDITORIAL NOTES

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 8964, 6 November 1907, Page 2

Rangitikei Advocate. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1907. SECOND EDITION. EDITORIAL NOTES

IT is somewhat singular that during the whole of the discussion on laud tenure and laud taxation uo political! has referred to the basis of taxation, or questioned why laud should ha selected for special treatment, It seems to he taken for grained that while those who have property iu any other form -are taxed in proportion to the income tney derive from it, 5 those whose property is iu laud arc taxed on its value. Yet though a merchant, for instance, may have, the same amount invested in business in a bad year as in a profitable one, no one would expect him to contribute to the Treasury, the same amount in the one as iu the other. Moreover the taxation of all others is not only regulated according to thoir profits, hut their profits ha wo to he actual, whereas in the case of land there mav ho uo profits, and the basis on which the tax is levied is also an artificial one. It depends entirely on the judgment, or lack ot judgment, of the Government Valuei, and in many eases the valuation is sot too high, while it is a frequent complaint that too little is allowed for improvements. Though there are manifest objections to an income tax in any country which also levies high taxation on all imports, thus compelling some of its people to pay double taxation, there is uo reason why there should ho any difference made iu the taxation of incomes derived from laud and of those derived from property of any other kind or enterprise and industry in any nther direction. One objection i-liat may lr raised to the proposal to [place income from laud and income from business on the sanio footing is that the user of land usually derives some of his living expenses from it, and therefore does not part with actual cash for those, so that this amount would have to he estimated and allowed for iu calculating the income on which tribute would ho levied. But rids could he ascertained iu precisely the same, way as that adopted by the insurance companies iu calculating expenditure or wages for accident insurance purposes. In all cases where the employee is also “found - ’ the companies add to the amount actually spent on wages, the assumed cost of maintenance, and the premium is fixed iu proportion to the total. There would bo no difficulty whatever in ascertaining the actual income from laud, and it would simplify matters exceedingly, and do away with many annoyances, as well as lessen the clamour against laud users if there was but one tax on incomes from all sources, liioie would also then be uo need for Government Valuers to inflate laud values, and those would reach their natural level. All disputes and differences in regard to improvements would ho at an cud, and instead of a land-user being compelled to pay tax whether he made a profit or not. he would pay only when his hooks showed that he could bo fairly called upon to do so. Then, again, to make :..i income tax perfect, the exemption should bo much lower than it is at present. If it was lowered, then it is possible that even threepence iu the £ would more than suffice for all requirements, llnrever as a greater number would be paying direct taxation there would he more general interest in the work of administration, and in questions of economy. There worM also bo more sympathy with tiro laud-users who would bo fellowtaxpayers, paying 1 only iu proportion to their income. There would also bo uo necessity or excuse for fancy schemes of graduated taxation or arbitrary values because the graduated system could be applied to actual income. The taxation would then at least be upon a fair and equal basis.

THE desire expressed by Eaugitikoi County Council to have its borrowing powers increased appears to be one that should receive favourable consideration from tho Cabinet. At present there is an iron rule that no County Council may borrow more than £6OOO per annum from Government. It is true that Councils may borrow in the open market, but as Government lends money at present at 4 per cent (or as is proposed in the Bill before Parliament 3J.< percent) which provides for both interest and sinking fund, the rates at which money can bo borrowed privately are not tempting to local bodies especially as tho thirds may not be pledged as security for such loans. Tho unfairness of treating all counties alike in tho matter of loans is obvious. Many counties are of a small area, while others are already provided with adequate roads and bridges and these should not bo put on the same footing as a largo county like Eaugitikoi, where tho rates collected exceed £13,000, and much development work is required especially in tho northern ridings. Another anomaly is that where road boards exist within a county cadi hoard is allowed to borrow annually a sum not exceeding £ISOOO in addition to the £6OOO limit for tho County Council. Iu other words whore administration is conducted on the most uneconomical linos and staffs and offices unnecessarily duplicated, as is always the case where road districts exist in a county, more money may be borrowed than under a more efficient regime. At the present time settlers iu tho back blocks of Eaugitikei' County are crying out for metalled roads. Roads have now iu most cases been formed with the money provided by thirds, aided in many cases by Government grants, but the roads thus cmistr acted are practically useless for half the year until tdroy ate metalled. Sen-tier:; are anxious to rate themselves for special loans to j carry out the work of metalling and j providing bridges wlioro* necessary, but the £6OOO limit chocks this laudable desire, materially restricts the progress of tho district -and inflicts groat hardships on such settlers. It is evident that during the next few j years considerable sums ought to be spent in tho county and that unless Ministers will come to the rescue the work will bo unnecessarily delayed. Apart from expenditure’on roads and bridges tho townships are auxions*to

| take the steps necessary for the im-1

provemeut of their water supine and drainage systems. The money —several thousands— required for tins purpose would naturally he borrowed through the County Council, but with only £6OOO available each year they will have to wait till other requirements have been met. The Council in asking'for an in-1 creased boi-owing power is simply suggesting that the m ryv winch Government offers to lend to local bodies may be made available at the time settlors really require it. At present progress is hindered by an ill-considered and inelastic regulation which was never meant to pre- ’ vent that necessary development of the country which every Ministry must have at heart.

SINCE writing the above wo learn that the Premier has written to the member for Raugitikei as follows “With reference to the representations that have been made by yon with respect to provision being made in the Bill now before the House for an increase of borrowing powers to local bodies, I have to say that after consideration I regret that I am un-

able to soo my way to do anything in tbo direction indicated.” We do not think that the settlers in Raugitikei County will be disposed to accept this decision as final. Members of the House are undoubtedly anxious to got away to their homes and Ministers are equally desirous of passing their measures throigh the House without unnecessary friction, but the convenience of members, or even of Ministers, cannot bo considered when the interests of country settlers are at stake. It will bo, therefore, necessary to explain clearly to the Premier the real position existing in the county. Hitherto settlers have, in many cases, refrained from asking for loans because they recognised that money enough would not be forthcoming, hut we think that steps should at ouco bo taken by them to maim known their requirements. The bauds of the Council would bn strengthened in dealing with the ! matter if requests for loans for necessary works W ero sent in from

every district whore settlers ;w;e prepared to pay the special rates required in order to have decent roads to

their properties,

The heat in Mastcrton yesterday was arniiu phenomenal for tins season °of the year. The maximum temperature in the shade was 8* at about 2 p.m Last year 110 similar temperature was recorded till December 18th, Justice Denuiotcu at. Auckland, suspended Goorgo E. s discharge for twelve mouths. iho debtor was a sharebroker and the Magistrate said it appeared he had sold some property which lie hail pledged to the petitioning creditor, the Northern Estate Agency,

Some discussion took place in the Presbyterian Assembly iu y e Eingtou to-day on the request ot the Bible-iu-Schools League to confer with the elders of the Assembly. '4-here was considerable difference of on granting the request. Eventually a motion was passed to the oftenthat the Assembly would be pleased to receive the deputation.

One interesting fact disoiqsoa in the milling of the experimental varieties of flax grown at fterwpa experimental station was. that Lie red-hutted and tinged varieties will give the stronger fibre, wmio the white varieties will give a finer bus more bruised commercial product, du.c, of course, to the liner quality not being able to withstand our present methods oi strinniug so well as the stronger deserintion. An improved stripping process, which would he less harsh on the fibre, would, in Mr Stewart’s opinion, enable the much-despised mountain varieties to bo productive of much superior fibre than is possible with existing methods, this py reason of their beautiful, silky texture being thereby preserved. It svill thus bo seen that improved methods of treating Now Zealand flax are of vital importance to the industry. Mr Edward Lloyd, who lias purchased the’ business carried on m Marton by Mr J. McEldownoy, comes from Danuevirkc, where ho was proprietor of the New . House Drapery business. After .selling out at Danuevirkc Mr Lloyd took a trip to the Old Country where fifteen years ago ho was in the employ of the well known linn of Marshall and Suellgrove. Mr Lloyd lias come to reside in Marton, though lie will not take over control of ids new business till February next. Referring to Ins departure from Danuevirkc our namesake there says:—“Mr Lloyd is a pvogrcsisve citizen, and one whose departure from the town will bo a loss. He is public spirited, of generous impulses, a lover and supporter of all kinds of healthy recreation, and one whoso personality always attracts friends. Mr Lioyd will ‘ take with him the best wishes of many in this district for future success. ’ ’

A sensational accident occurred at Christchurch at 30.30 o’clock on Saturday. A tram car. going up the city from the direction of the Railway station, had reached the j auction of Cashel Street with Colombo street when a eab, driven at a fairly rapid pace, dashed _ right in front of the car and a collision resulted. The horse attached to the cab was thrown some ten or fifteen feet in the air, carrying with it the damaged vehicle, and lauding just opposite the A 1 Hotel. There was a frightful crash. In the darkness it could not be seen if the cab contained any passengers, Thc_ driver was thrown clear. An examination under the broken vehicle did not reveal any one hurt. When this fact was made known, and the horse raised to a standing position, the largo crowd that had gathered gav o a hearty cheer. The impact between the car and the cab was so loud that it caused a speedy rush of many people to the spot- A more miraculous escape from a fatal accident could not bo imagined.

E. E. Hill, Bridgetown, W. _ A., writes :—“Prom personal experience I can testify to the efficacy of Chamberlain’s Cough Remedy. Last winter I was troubled with a very bad cough, and tried Chamberlain’s Cough Remedy, which quickly cured mo. How I keep a bottle on hand, and take a dose at the first symptom of a cold, and have never since had a cold or cough.” For sale by T. H. Biodiu, Co-Op. Stores, Martou, and D. Wilson, Rongotoa.

PAST REDEMPTION POINT. In sickness, up to a certain poiut, every disease is curable. Tills is admitted by the most eminent authorities. Those who uow suffer with chronic ailments could in many cases have been cured by the most simple treatment, bad their trouble been attended to when in the acute, or first stages. Note these facts. Chronic disease is iu nearly every case the fruit of neglect.

if your disease has readied that stage, it is possible that Impcy’s May Apple will do more for you than auy other treatment, whi!o_ iu the early career of Indigestion, Liver Troubles, Coutsipatiou, etc., Impey’s Mav Apple is an absolute cure. The moral is—if you are “not up to par,” begin with Impej’s May Apple to-day. Eight to ten drops after each meal will keep you in perfect health. Chemist or Store. Price 2s 6d. A POPULAR CALF FOOD.

Dozens of dairy farmers who have used the “Gilruth” Oalf Food aud know its value placed their orders for this season several mouths ago to ensure delivery. This is flattering testimony to the satisfactory results obtained. The “Gilruth” Calf Food can bo procured from Brice, Broad and Co., Martou; or Mansell and Sons, Bulls. When in Palmerston during show week don’t fail to visit the Bon Marc lie Arcade (the Square to George sweet), whore a maguificeut stock of latest goods iu fashionable aud family drapery lias just been opened out from the first markets of the world. Value and variety always obtainable at this leading emporium of fashion. The firm invite visitors to walk through their promises and inspect their extensive stock at any time. O. M, ROSS AND OO.—Advt. Chesterfields. Divan easy chairs, aud easy chairs of every description, the acme of protection, at the Malcolm Furnishing 00., Ltd,Palmerston North.* '

Mr E. Staff an, late of Wanganui, lias been appointed conductor of the G KT"tSU (Oup Day) and 22,008 on Sunday. • Victor Yincent.BowdlOT was committed for trial at Harailton ycste day on a charge ot lorgeiy. Another man arraigned on the same case was dl Mrs r B. o< Westbrooke, mother of Mr W.H. Westbrooko, secreartj of. the Wellington Trades Labour Cor oil, died in Christchurch on toatur day, aged 87. „ At a meeting of the Executive ot the Dairy Union it was decided to pay 9JHI per lb for the butter fat received during October. Mr Brabant, who has retired from the position of Sitpeudiary Magistrate at Napier, is to bo succeeded by Mr Cutten, who acted as ts.M.

there during Air Brabant’s length- , med absence on sick leave. 1 Two members of the firm of Lovell, aud Christmas, Loudon, largely concerned iu New Zealand, dairy mo-. duco, and with interest 1 “ tll ). s I £ l j • trict, died last week. All Ahre j | Christmas died on Sunday week, and , m2 brother Joseph on tho following i J ‘lii the original poem competition—- “ Farewell to Winter”-under the auspices of the Dunedin Oompetitious Society, Miss J- A : (Auckland) was awarded hist aul second prizes, aud special mention in a recitation for an amateui of an Aliss Margaret Sutcliffe (Velluigton) secured second place, and iu the original story competition Mis A. J. Crawford (Taranaki) secured third place.

\t a meeting of tlio School Caraui Committee of the Feilding A and P Association held yesterday, Messrs A’. Alayo and J. Woightmau, sen., were reappointed judges, and the date fixed for judging was the last week in January. It was also decided to request Air Browne, the Education Board Dairy Expert, again to indgo the books of records and observation. If, indeed says the New Zealand Times, there is any “oiled and curled darling” iu whose favour tlm pro-, sent Government seems to depart from its policy of impartiality, it is the Dominion farmer. If we have refrained from protesting against what wo can sometimes hardly help regarding as the coddling and overludulgeuco of Hip farming class at the expense of others, iVia from a consideration of tho extreme importance of this spoiled child to the rest, of tho community. , ~, A meeting of Rougotea loiui Board was held last night. Present: Alessrs Penney (chairman, Rogers, Hickford and Sutton. The action of a sub;-committee iu the appointment of a caretaker for the electric light station was confirmed. It was resolved that Hie Board endeavours to secure a man to parry out the duties of uightsoil contractor, apcl that the Board call tenders for the rigid to cut hay off the town squares. Several accounts wore passed for payment. A meeting of the Sandon District Cricket Club was held iu tho council chamber last, evening. Mr W J.

Philips m cue , blew was elected vice-president, and Mr ¥/alters treasurer. It was resolved that Mr Bailey be requested to lay before ffcho Sports ground Committee the advisability of faying down an asphalt pitch 19 by 2 yards in the recreation ground it was decided that Sandon District Club join the Mauawatu Association with a request foi home matches. The procuring of material was left iu the hands of Mr L’re\y. At Feilding Court tins morning, before Mr Thompson, ifiM,, Stanley Maylicw and Cuff Bros, were convicted of allowing cattle to graze on Mr Reid’s laud on October 25th. Guff i>ros were fined 20s and May hew 10s the ■ costs iu each case being jo-3, Frederick diaries Wilson was charged with disobedience to a-main-tenance order, The ca,«e was deferred for further evidence, A siHUinr charge was brought against Alfred \V Parker. Defendant pleaded that he’was'ill and that Do was only receiving sick pay from the benefit society. This case was also deferred. Judgment wasgivoii lor plaintiffs in a number of undefended''cases. ■ STEAM ON THE FARM. Do you recognise what an advau tago it is to have a supply of live steam on the farm? It means a liberal supply of boiling water for Vanning cans or clothes, for scalding pigs or cooking clock food, and you can secure these advantages at a very small cost by purchasing' a “New Century'" Steamer. One good fixe provides steam for about two hours and can bo left with perfect safety. The “New Century” combines the strong points of the ordinary portable washing cooper ami the high pressure steam boiler without their disadvantages.- -MacEwan and Co., Lid., sole agents, U.S.S. Buildings, Wellington. , . Patrons of the Malcolm burnishing Company’s Sale, Palmerston North, can buy Austrian cane chairs at 6s, the best'obtaiuablo.*