LUCKY ISLANDERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2961, 27 December 1916, Page 3

LUCKY ISLANDERS

LITTLE OR NO TAXATION

POSITIOiN EXPLAINED

Some weeks ago (says the "New Zenlaud Herald") it was announced that a meeting of the European, settlers at llarotonga had passed resolutions protesting against tlio rating ordiuanco of this year as being unequitable and unjust, inasmuch as the European pro-perty-holders, who have 210 representation - whatever, have _ been especially singled out for taxation on account of race only, and requesting pis Excellency the Governor to disallow the said ordinance; also affirming that the time had arrived when it is necessary and just that the European settlers should be adequately represented in local affairs. The system of government in llarotonga is, in the nature of things, somewhat pecifliar, and an Aucklander who has been closely associated with tho group explained to a reporter somo of its unusual features and tho reasons for them. "It is the case," he said, "that tho I European residents have ho political rights. It is difficult to see how they could have any, considering that in tho wholo group there are about 700 D natives and less than 200 whites, including officials and their families. llarotonga has about , 170 whites—men, women, and children—to about 2500 natives. The natives own all the land, and cannot sell an acre. In llarotonga there are about a dozen European planters who havg. leased land from the natives. The largest' plantation has about 120 acres. Each' of the principal islands has its own Island Council, nominated by the Governor of New Zealand. These councils have about the same powers in the way of making laws that a small borough' council has in New Zealand.

"The only tax levied in llarotonga is that which the. settlers are now protesting against—a load tax that works out at about £1 a year for each taxpayer. The trouble is this: In the-past the natives were compelled to repair and maintain the roads when called'upon— without pay —whilst the Europeans had to pay the tas. The forced labour of the natives has now been abolished. It was always unsatisfactory, and the Government has taken over the Toads. But the tax on tho Europeans has been continued. It is the only direct tax the Europeans pay. The natives pay no taxes; and as they are released from their compulsory labour on the roads the consider that either they should also be released from the road tax,. or a tax should be put upon the That is why in the petition to the Governor they complain they have been singled out for taxation.on account of colour only.

. "A comparison of' the European islanders' position with. that of New Zealanders shows that they pay no stamp duties whatever—not a penny on receipts, or cheques, or leases, or transfers of property, or ca deeds of any kind. For example, a man who sells his plantation for £1000 would not pay a penny of duty to the Government. In New Zealand on the sale of a property of that valiie he would pay at least £10 to the, Stamp Department. At ttarotonga there is no income tax, no mortgage tax, no land tax, and no death duties. Local taxation is merely £1 a year .water rate, payable by natives-and Europeans alike, and the road tax, payable on .'.European hold, ■in'gs only, and which'averages less than £1 a year on each' taxpayer. "Here in New Zealand," Baid..the exislander, "wo ceri-ainly havo political rights, but wo have to pay ; for them protty smartly—especially in these war times."