QUESTIONS FOR THE ELECTOR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 138, 2 December 1911, Page 6

QUESTIONS FOR THE ELECTOR.

HOW IT AFFECTS THE LABORER. Are you aware that 11 £OO adults find employment directly through the manufacture and sale of beer and spirits in this dominion 1 If National Prohibition is carried, do you think that the whole of this number being thrown on the labor market will have the effect of creating for some time a large number of unemployed and so cheapen labor, more especially unskilled labor? Consider: One million pounds to be made up in direct taxation to replace the loss through National Prohibition. Would this go on foodstuffs and clothing? It must be got from somewhere. The Premier speaking at Winton recently said when referring to this matter, 'I do not think it should all be put upon the land, and certainly not upon the small land-owner. The country as a whole would require to contribute." Does that mean that every working man will be taxed to make up the deficiency? ou need not drink; but you must pay the tax. HOW IT AFFECTS THE FARMER. One million pounds loss of revenue on an article which is taxed 150 per cent. Seventeen millions of imports, exclusive of spirits, pay two millions duty. A little over Jialf-a-million's worth of spirits, pays £BOO,OOO duty. This means that New Zealand would require to import an additional seven millions' worth ( of imports at present duty rates to r balance the loss of revenue collected on spirits. The total expenditure on alcohol is under five millions. Even if all , the drink money were spent in the course of ordinary business it would require a further'three millions. Do you think that the people of New Zealand intend to spend seven millions : simply to present the Treasury with the i necessary duty to make up' this deficiency? No! It means an extra duty on present dutiable goods or a duty oh goods at present free. An alternative is a LAND TAX, or a tax on farm and other Machinery. Every farmer knows that the tendency of many [oliticians of to-day is to throw the whole burden jon the land. Before voting prohibition | the farmer should seriously look at the | financial aspect. Why should the far- | mer increase the cost of his farm plant I or his land tax to satisfy the man who, | ike the proverbial "dog in the manger" | does not want it and cannot see why anyone else should, or being himself unable to take it in moderation seems to think no one else can. Before going to the poll the voter should appeal to his reason; not allow grossly exaggerated sentimental pictures, in most eases not taken from real life but drawn by highly-paid agitators,, to influence the voter. It is not the travelling prohibition agitator here to-day and away to-morrow who pays the taxes. He leaves that to the unfortunate elector who has been gulled into striking out the top line. Think it over, and you will find many reasons for striking out the bottom line on both papers and so prevent any violent financial upheaval in this prosperous Dominion. Moreover, any law which deprives even the minority of reasonable liberty is tyrannical and should not be tolerated in a British country. Because a few abuse the liberty should the many be deprived of it? History will repeat itself, and the British people have before now allowed a liberty to slip away gradually. Once it is gone it will be missed, and retribution will follow fast and sure. The moderate man who is now allowing his liberty to slip away will be the one who will have to fight, and will be the fiercest fighter, for its return. This is no prophesy, but is based on actual precedents. Maine is the most modern example.*