Bsi Constitutional
p. 20 · Read in the full issue
Challenge
Cases May Go Direct to Suva
HPHE challenge to the constitutionaj authority of the Solomons Island;- Government, brought about by the resentment of the planters in being assessed for income tax at high rates (see PIM of Sept., p 21) may pos-; sibly come before the Supreme Court in Suva before the end of this year; Mr. R. C. Symes, president of the BSI Planters and Commercial Asso ciation, will be the nominal de fendant in the claim for income tax. and Mr. Joe Bryan, of Guadalcanal Plantations, will be the nominal plaintiff in the challenge against the BSI Copra Board.
The Association’s legal represent atives, in an attempt to save unneces sary expense, are trying to arrange that both actions be heard at the same sittings of the Fiji Court. It is hoped that by consent the hearings at the lower court in Honiara will be cancelled, and the cases taken to the higher court direct because, whichever! side wins, the loser will certainly, appeal. Probably, the cases will go ultimately to the Privy Council.
The Association’s legal advisers in- Sydney have asked the Suva legal firm of W. Scott & Co. to act as their legal agents.
Although several persons in BSI refused to pay their income ta» assessments, the BSI Government has not acknowledged receipt of thein notices of objection. However, it appears that an extension of time toe pay without penalty has beeir granted, although no application fon such was made. The BSI Govern ment, presumably, is making a careful examination of the position.
In the article which was published ont page 21 of September PIM, headed "BSE Tax Power Challenged”, there was at reference to the exemption from capitatiom tax which may be granted certain classes; in the Gilbert and Ellice Colony; and anr inference that such concessions might) extend to the Solomon Islands. It should! be made clear that there are no sncht exemptions in the Solomon Islands.
Mr. Michael Ramsden, son oft well-know writer on Polynesian* affairs, M.r. Eric Ramsden, travelled north to the US from Sydney in* October on “Aorangi” and goes to: a job with Reuters’—A.A.P. Bureau, in Washington. He recently re turned from service as a war corres pondent in Korea.