THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1880.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3649, 6 September 1880, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1880.

The example set by the Government in the matter of the ten per cent, reduction in the salaries of civil servants is, it appears, being followed by private employers of labor. It is said that at least one, if not more, of our local firms have already reduced the wages of their workman by ten per cent., and in some instances more, giving as a reason that the Government having done so, they are justified in adopting a similar course, in order to recoup themselves for the tax imposed upon property. This reasoning is most faulty, and the injustice to the working man is also most apparent. The burden of taxation borne by the poorer classes in this colony is admitted by all political economists to be very heavy, and it was in order that the wealthy, and the owners of large landed estates, might be compelled topayashareof theexpenditure, and the cost of governing the country, that the Property Tax was introduced by the Liberals; but if the persons affected, in order to recoup themselves, make deductions from the wages of their work people, the Property Tax, instead of being a charge upon their profits and a loss,-will be a source of profit. If ten per cent, is taken off the wages, it will in manyjnstances amount to much more in the course of twelve months than the sum imposed under the Property Tax Act, and instead of being paid by the already wealthy men, will in reality come out of the pockets of the already large contribute I ing taxpayers of the colony—the poorer I classes. If such a policy is adopted throughout the colony, the only coune will be for the friends of the poor to Oustoas duties, 8< / *V«*f special HAN 3«iiobjecunder way can somewhat more evenly

Upon Mr Speight's arrival at the wharf on Saturday ovoning, Dr Kilgour. accompanied by several gentlemen, presented him with the resolution carried at the Railway Committee meeting.

Thbee is a business-like look about the way in which the various companies interested in the pumping question are going about {bating the new association, which bids fair for success. The only matter waiting is the decision ef the Borough Counoil whether a contribution will be given by thorn and the amount of it. We have already giren our views upon the matter.

It has been suggested to us that the Amateur Pinafore Company might be afked to give a benefit for the widow and children of Seaman Lucai of the Naval Brigade. The amateurs were very much indebted to the Naval Brigade for the loan of uniforms, etc., and we feel sure that were they asked, they would only be too happy to appear once more for such a good object. The performance could be unrier the patronage of the Naval Brigade and YoJunteers generally, and we feel certain there would be a bumber house.

At the R,M. Court two persons were charged with drunkenness?, but-were let off, and the charge against, Tomate Paetae preferred by Mr Alley, after hearing some evidence was dismissed.

The charge against John Sainsbury for a breach of the Arms Act occupied the Court all tc day. A uumber of witnesses were examined, including Superintendent Thompson, Sergts. Russell and Louis, Hapuka, a native, and a number of others. There is more than one charge against the accused, and it is likely the court will continae the investigation to-morrow.

At the next meeting of the Governors of the High School it is probable the question of selling the endowment at Te Aroha will be considered. The land is of very good quality, and should fetch a fair price. There is nothing to prevent the Board selling the land on the deferred payment system, we believe many persons would be found to accept the offer. It might even form a good speculation for a company of persons to buy it and then dispose of it on terms to settlers.

O'Connoe walked at Tirnaru on last Saturday night seven miles in 58 minutes and three seconds.

Lek Qwx, the second Chiuaman ohajcj'/cf' with the murder of MrsjyofflPg—aTSyeburn, has been remanded tilHtie 30th inst.

The prqsßr c f o ' rß a t Te Aroha are reported to have jfeund a payable reef. ,

The Foreman of Works, Mr Rawdon, and nis workmen are making good headway with the new culvert on the Beach road, and in a day or so the water will be turned from its old channel.