The Wheel Tax.
At the County Council on Monday, Mr McCullum brought up a question of people not paying the wheel tax. The Maoris, he stated, were the principal offenders, and he thought the Council should take immediate steps to enforce payment. The Chairman said he had given the clerk instructions to take proceedings against defaulters. Mr Horrocks: Are there many ? The Chairman: Yes a good numner. Mr McCullum favored the appoint ment of an Inspector of Wheel Tax. The Chairman thought if the foreman had strict instructions to look after the natives it would meet the case.
Mr Peters said the matter wanted gentle handling. As Mr Adlam was no doubt aware a child was always troublesome when it first got on its legs. (A laugh).
Mr Horrocks moved—" That someone be appointed to ascertain the names of those tfho have not paid the tax." It was not likely, he pointed out, that defaulters would come forward of their own accord and pay the tax, as they know they would be liable to the penalties. If a list were obtained, summonses could be issued. The Chairman said he understood the Council was not going to enforce the penalties. The Council already had a list of names of those who had not paid the tax.
Mr Tate stated that the Council sbould proceed against the natives first.
Mr Horrooks said they should fix a time when the penalties would be enforced. Mr Peters stated that the Council should insist on the penalties being inflicted.
Mr Counett: What is the penalty ? The Chairman : Not exceediug £1 for the first offence. Passing on, he said he did not mean they should forego the penalty altogether. Mr Ail lam thought the Council was partly to blame. In the first instance they were dilatory in getting the dockets in, and he thought if defaulters were summoned without notice it would be doing a wrong.
Mr Okey objected to any further time being given. There were many people who did not intend to pay, and he thought the clerk should put the names of defaulters in a hat, select six, and take proceedings against them. He moved an amendment in that direction. Seconded by Mr McGloin. The amendment was parried.—
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Bibliographic details
Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 105, 5 July 1895, Page 2
Word Count
375The Wheel Tax. Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 105, 5 July 1895, Page 2
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