The Happy Tax-Gather

P-NG Commissioner of Taxation, G. W. Toogood (he’s only got a HI Tax yet, but he’s hopeful) announ joyfully as June drew to a close 1* they would probably do a great o better out of the first attempt Territory direct taxation than was pected. Maybe even £lO,OOO more, the year ended June 30.

Under Capitation Tax regulatii every male over 18, living in Territory for more than six moni: must pay £2 per annum tax. W” it was first introduced about months ago it was thought that yield would be about £lOO,OOO. I early in June, Mr. Toogood alres had £4,000 more in the sock tham had anticipated, and appeared think that another £6,000 would forthcoming before he closed off books at the end of the financial yo About £15,000 of the £llO,OOO coi from Europeans and Asians, and rest from the natives, most of whi do not understand what it is abo but paid up.

The success of the tax collect!! commented Mr. lan Downs, MLC, Goroka in mid-June, was due to t discipline, good order and loyalty the native people, and to nothing eli Few people—unless it is the gem who thought up this silliest tax of time—would care to disagree with hi