30 MARCH 1912, Page 15

THE NATIONAL INSURANCE ACT.

[TO TRH EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."J

Si,—You said in an article in your paper a short time ago that, "though the National Insurance Bill was a bad one, it was better to submit to a bad law than to refuse to do so, and so strike at all law," or words to that effect. I quite agree with you, but now look here I I have three servants who say they won't pay their 3d. If I, acting according to law, deduct it, in one month I have no servants. If, on the other hand, I pay their shares what becomes of the contribution principle which Mr. Lloyd George is so strong about ? I am willing to pay my 3d., but am I bound by law to deduct theirs front my servants' wages P I told them that the Chancellor of the Exchequer says, "If they wait two years they will see the 'beauty of the Act,'" but they say they won't stay two years to see it. I must admit I think there is much to say for their view ; they can always get medical advice when ill at my expense, and they are so healthy that they never are ill for more than a few hours. Are the servants each liable to a £10 fine P—if so, they have none of them £10 to fine. Am I liable to a £10 fine for each of them if I do not deduct 3d. P I feel like Bird o' Freed= Sawin about our legislators : "I'd give 'cm linkum vity And play the rogue's march on their hides."