BUSINESS IN PARLIAMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 7641, 18 June 1888, Page 1

BUSINESS IN PARLIAMENT.

The debate on the Customs and Excise Duties Bill occupied the House almost exclusively during the first three sitting days of last week, the final division having been taken late on Thursday evening, when the motion for the second reading was carried. We have not entertained any hopes that the Bill would be rejected, and are in no way disappointed; but we regret very much the adoption of a principle which we feel sure will work out badly for the people of New Zealand. Already there are indications of how seriously the imposition of a high tariff on imports will affect our exports. A resolution, the adoption of which would have closed the New South Wales market to our agricultural products, narrowly escaped being carried in the representative Chamber of that Colony on the 13thinst., although on previous occasions within the last year or two attempts in this direction by the Protectionist party met with insignificant support. Those " who play at bowls must expect rubbers;" and it must be expected that in several quarters where we have had practically open trade the new and increased duties will excite resentment and induce reprisals. As we sow so shall we be likely to reap! On Friday the House went into Committer on the Bill, which in itself is very short, and was soon disposed of. The most important clause is the fourth, whioh, as amended, authorises the levying of a primage duty of 1 per cent " on all goods, wares, and merchandise "imported ... on the true and " real value thereof." This duty is estimated to bring in L 58,000, and is only to be levied until June 30th, 1890, the proceeds being devoted to the extinction of the deficit existing on March 31 last, which in the meantime is temporarily provided for. It seems to have been conceded on all sides of the House that it is sound policy to put a stop, once and for all, to the funding of deficits year after year, and thus piling up the public indebtedness. Treasurers will take heed of their ways, and be remarkably careful not to "over-run the constable" when they know that they must ask the House to meet any deficit oat of revenue. Certain clauses were added relative to machinery, the general scope and tenor of which were described in our parliamentary report on Saturday. The provisions made appear reasonable, if anything can be so which is in any way connected with taxing machinery at aIL The principle of the Bill having been approved by so substantial a majority, it was clear that no successful attack could be made on the " table of duties of Customs " in Schedule A ; and it is manifest that the Tariff as printed will be carried in all essential particulars. Being inclined to be thankful for small mercies, we are glad to note that the Premier has reserved for further consideration the item of " fresh fruit f and we trust his further consideration may lead to his abandoning the pro* posal. Fruit is so dear now as to place it beyond the reach of most people ; and local growers certainly need no protection if they only understand their business, and send their produce to market in good order. Apart from the Tariff, the most notable business transacted during the week has been the settlement so far of the Midland Railway question, by the practical approval in both the House and the Council of the additional proviso proposed by the Government to clause 4 in the new contract with the Company. Select Committees were appointed in both Chambers to consider this, and their reports were in substance favorable. The proviso is to the effect that an "incline line" may be substituted for the " tunnel line " if the Government are satisfied that it can be made suitable for mineral and other heavy traffic j and " if the cost of the construction, of the " entire line from Springfield to Bel- " grove shall be less than £2,500,000, "a reduction shall be made in the " grant of \and to the Company proportionate to the amount saved by " the substitution of the 'incline line' "for the 'tunnel line.'" There certainly seems no rational objection to this; whilst there is the very possible advantage to the Colony of somewhat reducing the large aggregate area of land to be eventually granted.

The Legislative Council have made short work of the Codlin Moth Bill—a measure really promoted by Mr Hobbs, the member for the Bay of Islands, but brought in by the Government. The Codlin Moth Act, 1884, is admittedly, we believe, sufficiently stringent, but in operation has been found to be nugatory, since its adoption is optional with local governing bodies, who may proclaim districts where inspectors may be appointed. The Bill proposed to repeal this Act and substitute compulsory measures for the destruction of the insect; instituting a " codlin moth fund," both in clean and uncleau districts, and creating another extensive Circumlocution Department. The very general Opinion throughout the country districts and in the trade was that the whole fruit-growing industry would be effectually smothered by the elaborate precautions embodied in the Bill, whilst importation would be prae* tically prohibited. It is right, no doubt, that effective means should be taken to stamp out this mischief of the codlin moth, if it is possible; but those who best understand the subject oon» demned this Bill in toto, and the Council have done the right thing in throwing it out. More questionable,

however, has been their action in resolving, at the instance of Mr Waterhoi-.se, that they will " refuse -'to sanction any proposed legisla- " tion of the nature of Special il Powers and Contracts Acts." Such measures, experience tells us, admit of abuse, and require to be very .carefully examined and watched through all their stages; but, at the tsame time, they are exceedingly convenient, and save a large amount of time and trouble in dealing comprehensively with a number of subjects of no general importance, which otherwise would each require a separate Bill.