LAND AND INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2668, 25 November 1909, Page 5

LAND AND INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT.

SUSPENSION OF THE COMMISSIONER.

rPEit Presb Association.! r WELLINGTON, Nov. 24. At tho evening sitting of the House-to-day the Premier made a statement in connection, with, the inquiry by two Judges of the Supreme Court into charges laid by officers of the Land and Income Tax Department against Mr. Heycs, Commissioner of Taxes, whose integrity and administration were impugned in letters addressed to the 1 vernier dated November Ist and 4th. bir Joseph Ward stated that these contained a statement as to the assessment or the writers’ incomes and other business, but as tho letters could not be made public, the Government -had asked two Judges to act as a Commission to investigate and report on the .charges. The -report of tho-latter was received on the Ist inst., but, owing to the illness of two Ministers, could not be dealt with by the Cabinet until Tuesday. It was impossible under the law to publish the evidence or report, as they contained references to taxpayers and their business. He would state,*. however, that the Commissioners had absolved Mr. He.yes from any sinister design or dishonest purpose, and his administration was carried out with much ability. The evidence showed considerable friction between Mr. Heycs and several or his subordinates. There was also considerable doiibt as to 'liis prudence in exercising his discretion, in connection with the assessment and collection of taxes. The latter charge would be tested shortly by the Law Officers. Meanwhile the- Government had decided to'suspend Mr. Heyes for three months, and Mr. Richardson, of the Government Life . Insurance Department,, would take the; position from Monday next, in addition to his. own. .duties. The Premjftr indicated , that a probable change;Vwp|ffl3- bo made in the direction of' appoiritigfe athoiird to assist the, Commissioner oT Taxes to carry out his duties. • • : ’