of the Colony, and I should be the last to venture to differ on this point, but the Squatters do contribute by way of their Squatters' Licence fees, and the Director of Public Works considers that these are a sufficient tax without the imposition of Rates.
"It may be asked why, if Squatters' Licence fees can be collected, their Rates cannot. The answer is that, if the Land Bailiff finds anyone occupying land without having permission so to do as evidenced by his being either on the Roll of Crown Lessees at date of the Cession or in possession of a Squatter's Licence, he can prosecute him as a trespasser before a Magistrate, and a decision is arrived at in a few minutes, instead of as many weeks or months.
Should it be decided to exempt squatters from payment of rates as recommended, there will have to be written off from 1st January 1890 to date $42,267.38 only.
(signed) N.G. Mitchell-Innes
Colonial Treasurer,
20th November, 1894.