POLITICAL REFORM.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2669, 20 August 1889, Page 2

POLITICAL REFORM.

TO THE KDITOR. S[R, —While I am pleased to see from various letters published in your columns lately that political reform is desired, I regret that there is no indication what shape it should take, excepting the repeal of the Property-tax. Now, I am as much opposed to paying taxes as anyone can be, but while we have debts to pay wo must make provision to meet them, and in whatever shape taxation comes it is sure to be irksome. In order to do away with the Property-tax the burden of taxation must be placed upon the people direct. We must look the matter straight in tins face, as, in my opinion, the day i* n<.t far distant when it will be accomplished. Subsidies road boards, county councils and hospitals \ud now cease, and the cost of education will soon bo placed on our shoulders direct. When that is done Government may consent to repeal the Property-tax Act, and again reduce the Customs tariff. lam opposed to anvthiri" like repudiation of either our debt or the interest. While the liability is Ihcru we are in all honour bound to piy ; but have many ways of reducing the expenditure, and what is now wanted is an association of electors who will band together wit.i that and other good objects in view, 'iho association might ba termed " Inform Association," and might include in its platform the following planks Hoonomy, retrenchment, reduction of number or representatives in both Houses, erection of council by the electors for a term of, say, eight year-:, reduction of honorarium, sweeping away Public Works Department, sale or lease of Covurnment railways and Telegraphs, and consequent reduction of a host of servants, re-organisation of the Post-ittiei Department, also of education, et \ With something ol the kind before the eiectois, meetings in all small centres eoul 1 be held to consider them, and delegates elected and sent to a general meeting which could elect officers of a Reform Association, and whenever a general election came on, a convention of delegates from the whole electorate called who could choose a candidate who should snbsciibe to the articles of faith, three-fifths majority being necessary t. > confirm a choice. The reformers through then branches would bo milted, and such a combination and power would be almost certain of success. An association once fairly o-tabiished would tend t >wards the organisation of others, and in time we might have a reform party, destined to bring us back to prosperity and contentment. I am, yours etc., F. 0. (IKKMANN, Palerangi, August loth, 18811.