The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1886. THE POOR RATE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2410, 27 September 1886, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1886. THE POOR RATE.

The Wellington City Council.' hau decided not to impose a rate this year for the support of charitablo institutions and the Post gratefully recognises the voluntary spirit which has been displayed in the Empire City, and which has enabled tho poor rate to be dispensed with for the time being, We are very much afraid, however, that the present Government have killed all genuine voluntary effort in the colony with their poor law. It is true that in Wellington and : other large centres more money is being given by local residents for charitable purposes

than formerly, but it is being given under the distinct threat that if it is not forthcoming a poor rnte will ho imposed. We contend that ■voluntary contributions of this character resemble the gifts which in olden times were collected from 'travellers by the Dick Turjiins of the period. Under the muzzle of that pistol of the Stout-Vogel Ministry, the " poor rate," voluntary contributions are to the fore, but it is absurd to suppose that they are given with a cheerful heart and that cheques are signed under benevolent impulses. The financial ability, of the present Colonial Treasurer has been displayed mainly in throwing pecuniary responsibilities off tho shoulders of the Government and on to the shoulders of local bodies. Next year we have reason to believe that school buildings will be cast overboard by the Govern' mont. While, however, the Treasury is divested of its old responsibilitieswhile tho colony is shamed by a premature poor rate—a profligate expenditure ia maintained for the benefit of a privileged few. A. poor rate is necessary because so many connections and supporters of the party in power have to be provided for by billets and concessions in tho shape of numb erless allowances, It is a pity in ut city like Wellington some stand cannot be made against wanton extravagance. The policy of tho present Ministry has been to keep up their own emoluments, to maintain the extra vagaut allowances to members of tho Legislature, and to provide out of the public purse for their friends. With a diminishing revenue this course is impracticable without a corresponding reduction of expenditure. The' latter is effected as far as possible by throwing the cost of charitable aid, of hospitals, of road construction, and, by-und-by, of school buildings, on to local bodies,