PROPERTY TAX PROSECUTION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 7947, 2 December 1886, Page 6

PROPERTY TAX PROSECUTION.

Dunedin, November 25. Several peisons were charged at the Police Court with failing to send in returns under the Property Assessment Act. Jamea Broadfoot and George Atkinson were fined in the lowest penalty, £5, and costs, and treble the amount of tax. John Boon offered as a defence that the property had passed into the hands of a mortgagee three years ago, and he had not a pound in the world now. The same fine was inflicted. Robert Adamson, giving evidence that he had been absent from the Colony, was allowed to escape. Joseph Braithwaite, bookseller, was next charged. He’ swore that' to tho best of hia belief a return had been sent in. As the Magistrate considered that there was an absence of wilfulness he 'dismissed tho case. The next charge was against Messrs Findlay and Co., and the manager stated that no forms had been sent to the Company. Some envelopes addressed to the former public officer of the Company had reached the Company, but as he had left their employ the envelopes were not opened, A fine of £lO and costa was inflicted, as the excuse of ignorance of the law could not be held as justification. It was stated that a fine of treble the duty would amount to £750, but the Commissioners are expected to grant a remission.