Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1899-03-23
NEW ZEALAND AHEAD.
THE MOST PROGRESSIVE ooUN-
TRY ON THE GLOBE.
New Zealand IL u Country Whore Popu-
liam Ia In Actual Practice In tho way
OF Government Ownership and Com
troll OF Public Utilities.


Canada or the United States would be
considered individual or corporate bus
mess utilities The Legislative meas
ures in Australia proper are not quite
so far advanced as in New Zealand,
but all the Australian colonies will
speedily follow In the example Of New
Zealand.
The South Wales last year closed its
Hrst successful financial year under a
policy OF free trade and direct land
tux on unimproved values.
Usually when Australian or New
Zealund Legislation is referred to in
the press, 1t Is said to be soclalistlc, an
archistlc. wildcat or experimental triul
legislation, and the people look IN vain
for explanations, A perusal OF the
following brief reference to some OF
the measures will assist the reader in
coming TO correct conclusion as to
whether the New Zealand laws IRE in
the Interests Of the whole people or in
the interests Of q few privileged indi-
viduals;
First.-The land and income tax us"
scssment act In force in New Zealand
imposes u tax upon incomes and an Or
binary tax upon land and mortgages,
the amount Of which is fixed annually
by n rating act There is also an addi-
tional graduated tax upon the unim-
proved value Of land held in large
blocks Of from one-eighth Of penny
to two-peuce in the pound. Improve
ments pay no taxes. The income tax
is payable upon incomes derived from
employment and from business, in
GLIDING investments other than those
In mortgages on land, upon which the
ordinary land tax is leyled. An ex-
emption Of 1900 is allowed to every
person domiciled in New Zealand.
Second. Advance are made by the
government TO actual settlers In fact,
any farmer may borrow on the secur-
ity OF his farm and improvements an
amount ranging from e25 to $4,000, Mt
per cent interest per annum and re-
pay the principal on very easy terms,
On this account existing mortgages in
favor Of private parties or corporate
companies which are bearing high
rates Of interest, are being paid Off. 1t
is believed that this system will soon
be extended, so that the artisan class
may take advantage OF it
Third. The schools are national and
free.
Fourth, Over 81 900, 900 has already
been expended by the government OF
New Zealand in establishing technical
| schools.
Fifth,-The government controls the
postoflice and postofIice savings banks,
and the deposits in the government
savings banks are always available
when required.
Sixth,-The government controls
and operates the telegraph system in
connection with the postal service and
ten word message costs only twelve
cents.
Seventh. The government controls
and operates the telephone system,
and the charges are about two'thirds
Jhe usual American charges, and the
profits go to the government and con-
Bequently to the whole people
Eighth. The government gives state
or national life insurance. The prem
lum rates are lower than the average
rates charged by private companies.
Every policy holder feels that he has
the whole nation as guarantee be-
hind his risk
Ninth.-The government is now per-
fecting plans in regard to national fire
Insurance.
Tenth. government has prac.
tically established state or national
bank. South Australia was first to
move in the establishing Of govern
ment bank, which is managed in the
interest Of the people. There is no OBJ
ject in the government forcing citizens
into bankruptcy in time Of depression
Eleventh.-The government controls
and is responsible for the administru-
ton Of all estates, for which service n
very normal fee is charged, and the
widows and orphans are protected
from legal troubles
Twelfth. government charges
u graduated succession tax Of from 2
to 10 per cent, according to the value
Of the estate.
Thirteenth.--The government owns
and operates all the railroads except
ing one short line, which will also soon
be nationalized. The freight and
passenger rates on the government
roads are such us giYo about az per
cent interest on the capital invested.
The rates do not discriminate, neither
nre they differential or preferent ial,