THE PROPERTY TAX.

Manawatu Times, Volume IV, Issue 69, 8 September 1880, Page 2

THE PROPERTY TAX.

The annexed is the form of new sche dule attached to the Amended Property Tax, but notwithstanding the tinkering and patching to which the first measure has been subjected its author has neither succeeded m making it workable, nor excluded the gross injustices which were its principal features. When reviewing the Act as it first stood, beside the objection as to its inquisitorial nature, we pointed out that leaving the Assessment of the value of property to the owners thereof, was nothing more nor less than holding out an incentive to deception, for ways and means would be found to ease their consciences of any little qualms which might be felt as to the bona fides of the returns made. But likely as that was to occur before, the chances are very much m favor of ifc undor the new schedule, where a bulk 0 I otai valuation has to be made. Of course, hundreds of thousands of new fo'rins will have to be printed, and the Assessors will all have to travel over the same ground, a course which will have to be reoeated year after year, consequently we would not be a bit surprised—in fact, the wonder would be if it should prove otherwise— that when stock were taken that the balance wa* on the wrong side of the ledger. So much for the measure as a bungle ; with regard to the injustice of. its provisions, why, we ask, should the owners of vessels be exempt from tax. Can it be said for a moment that that class should be entitled to a protection which is not afforded to the owner of the land and the tiller of the soil P There are wheels within wheels, and the exemption of an interest which would directly affect the influential plutocrats of the colony, is oaly m keeping with the past conduct of the present Government : — Propebti Assessment ■ For the Year ending 31st March, 1880. ■P 'Property Asessment District : ; ■Nam© : Occupation : Address : In pursuance of the Property Assessment Act, 1879, Amend mpnt Act, 1880, you are hereby required to make a return of all your property m the following form, and 'cause the same to be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner of your districb at on or before the m default of which you will be liable to a penalty of £100, and to be assessed and charged trebla Jduty. '; John Sperbby, Ooramission'jr. Property Tax Department, Wellington, Ist September, 1880 Total value of all my interest m any £ ■ Jands or buildings after deducting all liabilities due by me ther«on ... Totnl value of all my interest m any leases held by me after deducting ; mortgage! tbereon, if any ; Total value of all other property, be--1 longing to me, including money I owing to me, mortgage!, liens and bills of sale, household furniture,' •' • jewellery, plate, works of art, horsei cattle, sheep, or other lire stock, produce, merchandise, stock-in ''trade, plant, machinery, cash, cash m batik, annuities, debentures, and evei*ything else I ponsess, except agricultural implements m actiml 1 use, life insurance policies, vessels I and shares m public companies, after deducting my just debts for ■ which I claim exemption Deduct fixed exemption 500 Taxable value £ DECLARATION. I, , do hereby declare that the above statement is true and accurate m all the particulars stated by me, according to jtbe best of my judgment and belief. I Dated this day of , 1880. i Signature : If the liabilities on landed property exceed its value the balance may be deducted jfrotu the value of the other taxable property. ' .. ... - . .