LOCAL TAXATION COMMITTEE FOUNDED 81 



A deputation was nominated to urge these views upon the 

 Prime Minister. At the opening of Parliament, 23rd March, 

 Sir Massey Lopes moved for a 



" Royal Commission to inquire into the present amount, 

 incidence, and effect of local taxation, with a view to a more 

 equitable readjustment of these burdens." 



Mr. Gladstone refused a Commission, saying that the motion 

 was one which recommended itself by every motive which 

 could address itself to the indolence and indifference of an 

 administration, because it would give the Government a 

 lease of several years' peace and tranquility in reference to 

 the discussion of the matter. He hoped it would be under- 

 stood from his remarks that the Government were by no 

 means insensible of the urgency of the question, and, if 

 indisposed to accede to the motion, it was because the Govern- 

 ment did not wish to turn their duty over to an irresponsible 

 body. The motion was accordingly withdrawn. 



An important step was taken by the Chamber on 6th April 

 following, for a Sub-Committee was appointed to consider 

 the setting up of a special committee to collect and circulate 

 information on the subject of Local Taxation. This Sub- 

 Committee reported on 4th May, recommending ; 



" That a committee be appointed by the Council to diffuse 

 information on Local Taxation by the circulation of printed 

 matter, or by such other means as may seem desirable. 



" That it be empowered to make rules and regulations, to- 

 appoint officers, and to raise a special fund ; and that the Com- 

 mittee report its proceedings when called upon by the Council. 



" That the Committee be instructed to put itself in communica- 

 tion with Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Guardians, and 

 Municipal and Parochial Bodies, as well as Chambers of Agri- 

 culture, Farmers' Clubs, and all other Public Bodies, inviting them 

 to appoint sub -committees of ratepayers to co-operate with the 

 Local Taxation Committee. 



" That it be an instruction to the Committee that its publica- 

 tions shall be designed to expose the injustice and inequalities 

 of the present Poor Rate assessment, and of the incidence of 

 other local burdens, and also to promote the discussion of remedial 

 measures ; but that the Council will not be held responsible for 

 any views or policy expressed in such publications, unless the 

 same views or policy have been resolved upon at a Council 

 meeting.",. 



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