IsiXhosa Intellectual Traditions (IsiXIT) Digital Archive

HUT TAX ARREARS AT KEISKAMA HOEK. To the Editor of Imvo Zabantsundu. SIR,—The collector of this tax among the Natives of the districts around Keiskama Hoek has been issuing demands for immediate payment, and charging over and above the Government fine of 2s.— which is generally understood to represent 6d. for Government and Is. 6d. for collector's services—an additional 5s. on account of ' demand and collection.' It is not surprising, therefore, that the Natives have been severely exercised in their minds with regard to the Government. That a tax of 10s. should be augmented to 12s. because of being in arrear, is sufficiently serious to the Natives at a time of extreme distress without any aggravation. But when it comes to their being mulcted of an amount of 5s. in the way of charges upon a tax of 12s.—originally only 10s., of which last it is exactly half— it must be Conceded that the last straw has been added to the camel's back. Mr. J. J. De Beer, the collector, has recently figured as a friend of the Native in connection with a petition to Government for a supply of seed-corn. From what a pinnacle he has fallen ! A feature in this hard case—a terribly hard one for the Natives—is that while pocketing 17s. for one year's, 29s. for two year's, and 41s. for three year's arrears, he gave receipts only for 12s., 24s., and 36s. respectively. What reflections must have arisen in the mind of the shrewd Native ! The excitement among your countrymen is naturally very great, and in their interest, never at any one point more sorely tried, I implore the help of your invaluable newspaper; for through your agency the Native mind can be most effectively reached. Summonses have been served on De Beer—a law agent and auctioneer resident at Keiskama Hoek—for recovery of such over-charges of 5s. as have been paid by the Natives. It is believed that Government will repudiate the conduct of their collector, for they are not answerable in the slightest degree, the whole having been done without their knowledge. But the mischief by this time working in the Native mind requires strong measures and speedy if an impression unfavourable to Government has to be erased. Not but what their escutcheon is safe enough in the long run from such contamination. The Headmen of the locations express themselves as having a grievance with regard to not receiving the usual intimation and warning about the date when the tax would be over-due. It would seem that it has been customary to send for them, and, thus considerately bring to their personal knowledge the day of expiry. Should this prove to be the case an ugly question suggests itself, viz., why a departure from this friendly custom has taken place at this juncture? For Government seek their own just, revenue, and are too discriminating to be greedy of odious fines. I am, yours, &c., A EUROPEAN WELL-WISHER. November 28th, 1885.