The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1899-02-22
REFORM IN THE ANTIPODES.

REFORM IN THE ANTIPODES
A friend, Mr.. George NJ Jeune, of
Deerwood, Mimi, sends us a clipping
from the Family Herald and Weekly
Star, of Montreal, Canada. 1t will make
interesting reading for our people. The
Inhabitants of New Zealand have proved
themselves to be very radical and
progressive race, and the whole world
is Indebted to them for their movemnt
in behalf Of human liberty and reform.
The clipping is as follows:
MIR. 7. J. Mcbride prominent business
man of Toronto, who has been travelling
through the Antipodes, contributes to Citi-
zen and Country an article on New Zea-
lands radical laws, enumerating the more
drastic experiments as follows:
Flrst-The land and income tax assess
ment act In force in New Zealand imposes
tax upon land and mortgages, the amount
OF which is fixed annually by rating act.
There is also ali additional graduated tax
upon the unimproved value of land held in
large blocks of from one-eighth of a penny
to pence in the pound. Improvements pay
no taxes. The income tax is payable upon
incomes derived from employment and from
business, including investments other than
the ordinary land tax is levied An exemp-
ton of $500 is allowed to every person domi-
ciled in New Zealond
Second-Advances are made by the govern
ment to actual settlers In fact any farm
er may borrow on the security of his farm
and improvements an amount ranging from
GS to $4,000 at 5 per cent interest per
annum and repay 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, 100000 has already been
expended by the government of New Zea-
land in establishing technical schools.
Ffth-The government controls the post
office and postoffite savings bank, and the
deposits in the government savings banks
are always available when required.
SiXth-The government controls and oper-
ates the telegraph system in connection with
the postal service, and a 10 word messag
costs only - cents.
Seventh-The government controls and
operates the telephone system, and the
charges are about two-thirds the usual
American charges, and the profits go to the
government and consequently to the whole
people. ~, .-5
Eighth-The government gives state or
national life insurance. The premium rates
are lower than the average rates charged
by private companies. Every policy holder
feels that he has the whole nation as a
guarantee behind his risk.
Ninth-The government is now perfecting
plans in regard to national fire insurance.
Tenth-The government has practically
established state or national bank. South
Australia was first to move in the establish
ing of a national government bank, which
is managed in the interest of the people.
There is object in the government fore
ing citizens into bankruptcy in time of de-
preston.
Elev enth-The government controls and
is responsible for the administration of all
estates, for which service very nominal
fee is charged, and the widows and orphans
are protected from legal troubles.
Twelfth-The government charges a grad
uated succession tax from to 10 per cent,
according to the value of the estate.
Thirteenth-The government owns and OPP
crates all the railroads excepting one short
line, which will also soon be nationalized.
The freight and passenger rates the
government roads are such as to give about
By per cent interest on the capital invested.
The rates do not discriminate, neither are
they diffetential nor preferential, nor do
the people pay freight and passenger rates
necessary to provide interest upon watered
stock.
Fourteenth-Women vote at all elections
in New Zealand and also in South Austria
liza, which has undoubtedly had very ben
eficial influence.
Fifteenth-Eight hours constitute a legal
days work. for which fair living wages are
paid. This gives the workers more time
for mental improvement, recreation, health
building, etc. Life is considered worth liv-
ing, and shorter hours also compensate to
some extent for the loss of labor caused by
the general use of machinery.
Sixteenth-The large estate, principally
acquired by squatters, who located their
holdings early in the history Of New Zea-
land and for which little or nothing was
paid, are being purchased by the govern
ment for the benefit of actual settlers
that is, the estates are assessed for taxation
purposes at the owners valuation, the gov
eminent reserving the right to take over
the land excepting the homestead, if re-
quireO at the owners valuation, plus 10
per cent if the owners valuation is con-
s:dered too low.
Seventeenth-A conciiatory board has
been established in every town or city
where any difficulty is likely to arise be-
tween capital and labor These boards are
composed of three representative business
men, three representatives from the trades
union and a district judge. A strike is i'm
possible in New Zealand.
Nineteenth-Rubfic libraries, museums
parks and gardens have been established in
every city and town; public baths are also
found in many places.
Observation-Disclosures of the land adj
Joining the cities and towns is held as pub
lie domain, and fer small homesteads for
the artisan ella sSes.
Twenty-first-Wed nesday afternoon is the
usual half holiday. The law compes a half
holiday during each week.
l do not know of any country where there
are so few very rich and so few very Door
as in New Zealand. The laws tend toward
providing an equal opportunity to all and
TO check the overreaching Of those possessed
with wolfish prbpensities.
1t is quite truea that party politics still
prevail, and that the government opposition
In New Zealand is dissatisfied; also the
money lending and land monopolizing
classes. likewise those who have had or
wish to have special privileges, and their
cause is championed by a financially strong
wing of the press.
We hope our readers will study the
foregoing article and will spread the
light of truth so that our own gov
eminent can advance in the same way.