H.—24

1888. NEW ZEALAND.

MR. VERRALL AND THE PROPERTY-TAX COMMISSIONER (CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN).

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives, with Leave, on the 21st August, 1888.

Mr. Veeeall to the Peopeety-tax Commissioner. Sib,— Ohoka, 3rd November, 1885. I have received this morning a property-tax paper charging me with £2 12s. lOd. In my returns I claimed exemption, as I am owing more than the rateable value of my property, and, I fear, also more than it would at present realise. I am, &c, J. Sperrey, Esq. John Miles Veeeall.

The Pbopebty-tax Commissionee to Mr. J. M. Veeeall. (Memorandum.) Property-tax Department, Wellington, 7th November, 1885. Youk letter having reference to a demand for the current year's tax is to hand. The claim now made is for the year commencing the Ist April, 1885, and will be the last collection on the basis of your old statement. Your new statement of property will be used for the adjustment of your account for the next triennial period, commencing the Ist April, 1886. J. Speeeey, Mr. J. M. Verrall, Ohoka, Canterbury. Commissioner.

Mr. Vebeall to the Peopeety-tax Commissionee. Sic, — Ohoka, Canterbury, 26th November, 1885. Considering that I have contributed to the revenue last 23rd June, in the shape of poundage, £2 lls. on a distress warrant, I believe I have a right to claim exemption from property-tax. I am, &c, The Property-tax Commissioner, Wellington. John Miles Veeeall.

The Peopeety-tax Commissionee to Mr. J. M. Veeeall. Sic, — Property-tax Department, Wellington, 28th November, 1885. I have to inform you that I am unable to remit the tax charged to you for the current year, and the question of the payment of poundage by you cannot be considered in connection with the claim for property-tax. I accordingly return you your account, which I must ask you to pay. Yours obediently, J. Speebey, Mr. J. M. Verrall, Ohoka, Canterbury. Commissioner.

Mr. Vbkeall to the Chief Postmastee, Christchurch. Deab Sib,— Ohoka, 19th March, 1886. In respect to property-tax now claimed, I submit that it can scarcely be the intention to claim £2 18s. Id. from me under the following circumstances : I should gladly take £500 for all I have in New Zealand, and it depends entirely on how I can sell land now nominally mine, and on what terms the real owners make with me, as to whether I have a penny out of it. Last year I could not raise £50 in time to stop a distress warrant. Until I have arranged about the sale of some of this land, and unless I can do so satisfactorily, I cannot raise £5 without borrowing or selling some of my small personalties. Under such circumstances I am sure you will agree with me that to charge me nearly £3 for property-tax would be simply extortion, and not in accordance with the supposition that a man pays no property-tax unless he has property beyond £500. I am, &c, Sydney Dick, Esq., Postmaster. John Miles Vebeall. P.S. —For corroboration I refer you, if necessary, to Messrs. Harper and Co.