Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Tuesday 26 January 1904, page 6


INCOME TAX.

MEETING AT LAUNCESTON.

PLEDGES ITSELF TO RESIST.

(By Electric Telegraph.)

LAUNCESTON. January 25.

The public meeting called by the exe-cutive committce of the public meeting recently held at the Albert-hall to con-sider the personal exertion clause of the Income Tax Act was held this evening at the Mechanics'-hall to consider the re-ply of the Premier to the resolutions then adopted. Mr. A.R. Fowler pre- sided, and there was a fairly large and representative attendance.

The Chairman read the Premier's re-

ply, saying that he could not suspend the collection of the tax, but whenever there should be a reasonable probability of a majority in the Legislative Council agree-ing to the repeal of the section he would cause Parliament to be called together.

The Chairman asked "Are you satisfied with the Premier's reply?"

Voices: No

Mr. C. Metz moved, -- "That, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the Pre-mier's reply, we call a public meeting for Thursday next, or some other early date, in order to determine what further action ought to be taken."

Mr. G.C. Grubb seconded the motion Mr. Crosby Gilmore said that he be-lieved that the £33,000 to be got by the personal exertion section could be raised by a property tax, or a tax on wealth, similar to that of the United States and Germany, under which a man paid on his surplus. (A voice: "It has all the objection of the income tax.") Mr. Crosby Gilmore: No, it is not so inquisi-torial. The Treasurer now says he must have the money; had he said so at first the tax would have been paid.

Mr. W.C. Wilson said it was useless talking passive resistance; when the same thing was said about the Western Railway rate, those who talked most were the first to succumb. The income tax was now the law of the land. (A voice: "No, it's the law of the Legisla-tive Council.") It was decided to ask

the Launceston members of the Council and of the Assembly to attend the meet-ing and express their views

Mr. D. Storrer, M.H.R., moved, "That this meeting has heard with regret the reply of the Premier, and that the member of the Assembly for Launceston, and other members opposed to the per-sonal exertion clauses urge the Govern-ment to call Parliament together, with a view to the repeal of the tax."

Mr. John Shepherd said that he had lived in the Western Railway district, and that resistance to the rate was effec-

tual.

The resolution was carried.

Mr. Metz moved, -- "That until such time as the Government complies with the request of the people by calling Par-liament together, this meeting pledges itself to resist to the utmost the pay-ment of income tax on personal exer-

tion."

Mr. Shepherd seconded the motion.

Mr. Wilson said, as a justice of the peace, he could not vote for the resolu-

tion.

Mr Storrer said that they pledged themselves to resist only while Parlia-ment was not called together.

The resolution was carried.

Mr. Oldham moved, -- "That this meet-ing regrets the attitude of the Legisla-tive Council in its continuous rejection of measures that would be of benefit to

the people, and urges an alteration in

the Constitution so that the wishes of the people may be given effect to."

Mr. A. Simmons seconded the motion, which was carried.

The Chairman spoke of the seat in the Council for Launceston held by the Hon. W. Hart, and said Mr. Hart had never been returned at a contested election.

It was agreed to submit the last three resolutions to a mass meeting, and to ask the Mayor to call that meeting.

Some other business in connection with the proposed mass meeting was transacted, and the meeting closed.