BOXER’S INCOME TAX.

Shannon News, 12 June 1923, Page 1

BOXER’S INCOME TAX.

EXCITING HOLD-UP

NIAGARA STOPPED AT SYDNEY

When the R.M.S. Niagara was about to clear Sydney Heads recently on her voyage back to Vancouver an urgent message was received by the pilot on board not to take the vessel to sea. Following this a motor launch dashed out to the .iner,which was boarded by two policemen and some civilians. A. passenger on the vessel was wanted for not paying his income tax. There have been cases here before where the income tax authorities have taken similar action, but this incident is the most remarkable that has come under notice.

George Eagel, an American pugilist, was the man whom the income tax authorities wanted. He had taken part in three fights here, and although it was thought that he was to be engaged in two more fights the taxaion authorities believed that he was to leave by the Niagara yesterday. They only learned of this a few days ago. On getting the information they had assessments prepared immediately, which was served on Eagel, making payment due on Wednesday. Yesterday the authorities found that Eagel was definitely sailing by the Niagara. In a few minutes telephones were ringing, motor cars were rushing about, and half the officials of the Taxation Department were dashing about Sydney. A writ had to be issued, the case had to be brought before a Supreme Court judge, and an affidavit adjusted. This business was concluded in a rew hours, but it was too late. The officials arrived down at the Niagara four minutes after the vessel had sailed.

They immediately secured a motor c(ar and raced back to the office. There was a hasty consultation with the Commissioner (Mr Whiddon), and in a few minutes more telephones were ringing and the officials were racing at sixty miles an hour to Watson’s Bay, at the Heads. Eventually the pilot was instructed not to

take the ship to sea and taxation officers and* police boarded her at Watson’s Bay with the writ. The ship was held up' for an hour. Eagel paid over nearly £2OO ;tct the ; officials, and after the necessary ness had been completed the officials returned to their launch and the Niagara cleared the Heads. Eagel’s three fights in Sydney yielded him £I6OO. Of this £4OO went to training expenses, and he was taxed on the rest.