The Beer Tax Once More.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXVI, Issue 1340, 25 December 1894, Page 2

The Beer Tax Once More.

Why was Jackman dismissed from the Civil Service 1 Why has no one been put in bis place? The first of these questions may be more easily answered than the second. Jackman is an honest man. In the discharge of his duty he fears not the face of any. He is not to be cajoled nor frightened. He was a terror to evil-doers, and a costly officer to those who sought to add to their gains by defrauding the country of revenue. Then many brewers and others interested in the drink trade were friends of the Ministers. These commanded votes, and votes are precious in the sight of a Government. Further trouble threatened some of the brewing fraternity. How was it to be averted 1 Only in one way. Jackman must be got rid of. Representations were made in the right quarter. Practically, the case was put thus: " Jackman must go, or these votes will." Come what might, the votes had to be retained ; and to secure these Jackman was sacrificed. Such, briefly stated, is, I believe, the true story of Jackman's dismissal from the Civil Service of the colony. He was sold for liquor votes. Jn a close analysis of this story of Jackman and the beer tax may possibly be found the key of some other dealings by the Government with the Civil Service, especially in the Police Department. Why has no one been put in Jackman's place 1 I don't know. Possibly, those who demanded the dismissal of Jackman also forbade the appointment of a successor.—Dunedin correspondent of the Prohibitionist.