MICE LAND UNION AND THE GENERAL ELECTION.
[To TER EDITOR OF TES "SPECTATOR."] Sin,—May I through your columns circulate the following state. meat and appeal? The Land Union has, since the passing of the Finance Act in May last, been carrying on a strenuous campaign against the new Land-taxes, with a view to obtaining the repeal of Part I. of the Finance Act, 1909-10. Much has already been accomplished, but much remains to be done in order to lay clearly before the electorate the real effect of this unjust taxation.
The following resolution passed at the National Union Con- ference at Nottingham is one definite result of the Land Union's work :--" That the valuation of land, and all the Land-taxes imposed by the Budget of 1909-10, should be repealed so far as they affect land used for agricultural purposes, or affect persons dependent on the building trade, or small property owners ; and that the proceeds of any Land-taxes levied upon urban building land should be employed in relief of local taxation and should not be paid into the Imperial Exchequer." Although this does not embody the whole policy of the Land Union, yet it goes so far as to justify its giving its active but independent assistance to all candidates, irrespective of party, in the coining Election who will pledge themselves to support that resolution as a minimum, but the Land Union will continue to press for the adoption of its full policy.
Owing to the exceedingly complicated nature of the new Land- taxes and valuation, the subject can only be effectively dealt with either on the platform or in print by those who have expert knowledge. This will entail a heavy demand on the funds of the Land Union for competent speakers and for literature during the Election. The constituencies are being flooded with mendacious literature by the United Committee for the Taxation of Land Values, whose funds are mainly derived from foreign sources, and it is of the first importance that this mischievous propaganda should be effectively answered. To meet this demand a campaign fund is required, and I earnestly appeal to all who realise the vital importance of the issue to contribute to this fund to the utmost of their ability. I can assure them that their contribu- tions will be used to the best advantage.—I am, Sir, &c.,
E. G. PRETYNAN, President.
P.8.—Contributions should be sent to St. Stephen's House, Westminster, S.W.
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