PUBLIC MEETING URGES REDUCTION OF EXEMPTION OF PROPERTY TAX.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3755, 28 July 1883, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING URGES REDUCTION OF EXEMPTION OF PROPERTY TAX.

Invehcahgilli, This day

A meeting of settlers has been held at Thornbury to discuss the proposed increase in the property tax. Mr Hamilton moved a motion disapproving of increasing the tax, and expressing an opinion that, instead of raising the tax, the exemption should be reduced to £100. One gentleman admitted the fairness of the property tax, but held that, with the present exemption of £000, one-third of the population contributed it. It had been said that the Government were afraid of being turned out if tho exemption was reduced, but they were unworthy to hold office if influenced bj r such consideration. He agreed with the motion as far as lowering the exemption, but did not think the property tax fair. A laud and income tax would be much more preferable. It was simply a question of time, when a change would be made.

One speaker said the Coloniiil Treasurer might be a good clerk, but he was no politician, as shown by what he told the people at Invercargill, namely, if they did not like the tax, they could sell out and go elsewhere.

Another speaker held that the exemption should be abolished altogether, and predicted that Major Atkinson would yet come out as an apostle of land nationalisation. In the event of the settlers not being able to pay, he would give them 10 per cent. over the valuation of the laud, and take it over, leaving them free to go elsewhere. Another gentleman, in considering the property tax, mentioned cases where settlers with horses worth £00 returned them at £15.

Other speakers urged the reduction of the exemption, and some also favored an income tax.

No amendment was proposed, and the motion was passed by a large majority. A copy to be sent to the Colonial Treasurer.