THE NEW STAMP ACT.

Evening Star, Issue 4021, 15 January 1876, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE NEW STAMP ACT.

To the E-Htor. Sib, Ycur contemporary tha ' Otago Daily Times' in Saturday's issue, when commenting upon the clauso in the new Act relating to the mode of cancellation of adhesive stumps on wills and promissory notes, use! the word "consternation," in connection thtrewith. Methinks indignation would be nearer the mark; now, when the shoe begins to pinch, for it is only now that bil's dated 1876 are being negotiated, are rather m re eorreutl) speaking, being refused wholesU« by all the banks, for it is only an exception when the m.iker of a bill has been informed as to the workiLg of this (diabolicai) Act. Surely its frauiers had but little idea of what the consequences would be of such an impracticable law, and but little knowledge also as to hew it wouid affect general business. To th< se who have to do with people unacquainted with accept mces, and who only sign ouo or two throughout the year,-this must seem a great hardship. It may be said, why not use embossed stamps ? This may be all very well for merchants whose customcts sign bills monthly, and know fully what they ate doing ; but it could_ only result in a material loss wheu one's constituents are in the habit of keeping their bills for a couple of months after rioeiving them, and then most likely insisting on having the date or some other alteration made ia them. Surely «ur Chamber of Commerce should find it their duty to protest strongly against inch Ltws being made, to the detriment of trade; or must we humbly submit to everything that emanates from the "lit le fishing Tillage" Trus'ing you will excuse the length of my letter, —i am, Ac, Common Sense. Dunedin, January 14.