CORRESPONDENCE

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 213, 1 September 1893, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE

[The editor is not responsible for opinions oxpressed.by correspondents.] TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Kindly allow me space in your val Liable paper for a few words in defence of Auckland’s Parson footballer, who perchance did not see the slighting remarks reflected on hitn by ‘ Libel ’ in your last issue. ‘ Libel ’ is inclined to think that football is not a fit game for the Clergy to indulge in and that (in his own words) a ‘ line should be drawn somewhere, and maybe ’twonld be as well to draw it outside the toxich lines.’ Why should our spiritual adviser be debarred from joining in this manly game any more than cricket, or other less invigorating sports ? If by their good example they can teach others how to play a friendly game without indulging in immoderate language and petty spite etc, then they are to be commended

for their practical moral lessons. I am of opinion that had <ve more of this class connected with our sports, their presence would terd to subdue any of the minor evils that are aptto creep into football and other.games, besides creating more charitable arid friendly feelings among players.—Yours etc., Footballer. (To the Editor.) Sir, —I see by the report of Hobson County Council that the Hunua Road Board urged the benefits of rates being levied upon unimproved values instead of upon improved values, and that the Council objected to this being done without an appeal to the ratepayers, and resolved to write to Government to that effect. This action of the Council is a matter of surprise to me, as the appeal to the ratepayers means that absentees by not voting will be counted as having voted against, for the bill requires a majority of three-fifths of the whole number of electors. As for floating a loan, I think this is playing into the bands of absentees and speculators who do uotbing to their lands, but hold them that their .value may bd enhanced bv the industry of neighbouring settlers. These unimproved lands have to pay less per area than their fair share and the settler is oppressed by increased taxation for every benefit he confers on his district by improving bis place If the appeal were made and a majority of the votes recorded should decide, it is certain all settlers would easily see that they ought not to be taxed on their industry, and the land value would be made the basis to levy upon There is an objection raised by some that this would curtail the revenue of Counties ; but the bill before the House will double the rating limit and so make it 3d instead of 1-Jd for each rate. That would make unimproved lands pay twice as much as at present, while the settler whose improvements equal the value of his land will pay no more, as his industry' will not be taxed. I hope the. Hunua Road Board will persist in their object, for it is to bring justice to struggling settlers and should have been done long ago.—l am, etc. Bee.