Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), Tuesday 5 January 1904, page 8


INCOME TAX AND PASSIVE RESTSTANCE. (To the Editor.) Sir, - A cry of execration went up through all Tasmania when Mr. Bird first introduced his Income Tax Bill, and the result was that, on an appeal being made to, the country, the Ministry was com-pletely ousted and a fresh Government formed, which was returned with, a dis-tinct mandnte from the people to oppose the tax, and those returned pledged themselves so to do. But now, with feelings of surprise and indignation, the people find that their positive mandate has been totally ignored. and that their representatives have al-lowed an Income Tax Bill to be placed on the statute book far more oppressive and unjust than the one formerly introduced by Mr. Bird, and which created such an in-tense feeling of disapprobation throughout the state. The House of Assembly throws the blame on the Legislative Coun-cil, but the Assembly should have stood firm, knowing the people's mandate. especially as the Treasurer distinctly stat-ed that he did not require the money asked for. The tax as passed is a notoriously un-just one, and should be opposed vigorous-ly by the people by "passive resistance." the same as is being done In England at the present time in reference to another rate. Let no one pay the demand till forced so to do. I think the Government will then find that it is dangerous to act in direct opposition to the expressed will of the people, and that the said tax will be uncollected. --Yours, etc. DEVONPORTONTAN. January 2, 1904. [Our correspondent is wrong in his conclusion. The tax which is being de-manded is that imposed by the Lewis Go-vernment. The Propating Government passed no Income Tax Bill.--Ed. "Ex."]