TAX ARREARS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25245, 25 July 1947, Page 3

TAX ARREARS

DEFENDANT OBJECTS TO PAYMENT “ WILL GO TO GAOL FIRST ” (P.A.) WELLINGTON. July 24. “I have no intention of paying this money to the Commissioner of Taxes, it is just dragging humanity down,” said i Charles O’Grady in the Magistrate’s Court to-day. An order to pay £3l arrears of taxes was sought by the Commissioner of Taxes. After taking the usual oath, O’Grady proceeded to give an oath of his own. He then gave an outline of his financial position, saying that prices were so high ’ to-day that it was impossible to live and 1 pay this amount at the same time. "To-day I see nothing but the law of ■ the land dragging a man down into the ■ gutter,” he said. "The law ’of the land ! is not based upon God’s principles.” "In spite of humanity.” said the Magis- ■ trate (Mr H. J. Thomson), “I must make an order for you to pay this money. You ■ will pay £3l and solicitor’s fee forthwith, in default 31 days’ imprisonment." O’Grady: I won’t pay. I will go to » gaol first. i "You will be given an opportunity to do that,” said the Magistrate, as O’Grady left the box, still protesting forcefully.