HAPPY TAXPAYERS
NATIVES OF PAPUA NO DEFAULTERS Papuan natives are required to pay a small annual head tax —and they enjoy it! When a resident magistrate goes on tour to collect the tax, pay family bonuses, check the census, inspect huts and advise chiefs on health matters, he travels in a whaleboat and takes along two canoes laden with stores and gifts.
At one village recently, 186 taxpayers marched into the village three abreast, each clad in his cleanest rami and each clutching a pound note and last year’s tax receipt. The column circled the courthouse before marching inside to pay. They saluted, said “Good morning, Tabauda,” and clapped hands when their greeting was returned.
“They got a great thrill out of the ceremony,” reported the magistrate. “It brought all the taxpayers together in a jovial mood, and I was not obliged to hunt for defaulters.” , The Minister in charge of the Department suggested Australian taxpayers should do the same, but the reply was : “We are not amused !”
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Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32316, 20 September 1943, Page 7
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168HAPPY TAXPAYERS Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32316, 20 September 1943, Page 7
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