FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND LAND BILLS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 164, 11 July 1907, Page 3

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND LAND BILLS.

PROMISED NEXT WEEK. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. On Tuesday night the Financial Statement will be brought down, and accompanying it will be the most important bills of the session, those relating to the land proposals. This announcement was made by the Premier, who said that the circulation of the measures before the debate proceeded would give hon. members full information relative to the Government's proposals. Later on the Native Land Bill would also be circulated.

Mr. Massey: "What we are anxious to know is, what's in it?"

Mr. Mackenzie: "And still more anxious to know what it will be like when it comes back from committee." (Laughter.)

Sir Joseph retorted that he had not the slightest doubt that the committee would not be able to improve upou it. He would like to mention, in order to save members unnecessary trouble, that it was useless having interviews with •members of the •Government regarding the measures. The first bill, called the Land and Income Tax Amendment, would contain proposals which every member would readily understand, and it would not be referred to the Finance Committee.

Mr. Fisher (Wellington): "Has the Government any intention of setting up a special committee in connection with tariff?"

The Premier: "No. We might have set up a special committee 12 months ago."

Mr. Fisher: "Is there to be- no facility to manufacturers to give evidence on existing anomalies?"

The Premier replied that it was the wrong time. Representations should have been made long ago. When the tariff came down with the recommendations, no committee could be set up. If any other course was adopted it would mean no tariff this year. ■