NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8926, 15 December 1887, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wrdnesday. The Counoll met at half-past two p.m. PETITION. Mr. Richmond presented a petition from the Mokau Coal Company complaining of the decision of the Chief Judge of the N ati ve Lands Court in a case in which the company was concerned, LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Leave of absence was granted to Dr. Pollen for the remainder of the session. RKPOHTS ON PETITIONS. The Public Petitions Committee reported unfavourably against the following petitions : —Those signed by persons praying that Bible reading in State schools be allowed ; petitions from seamen asking for relief under the Representation Act; petitions from Primate and Bishop and numerous Catholics in Wellington, all praying for amendment of Education Act; FIRST READINGS. The Land Act Amendment Bill and Christohurch Hospital Bill were read a first time. THE MAIL SKRVIOK. SirF. Wbitakik, replying to Dr. Menzies, ■aid the Government in considering the new mail contract would consider every pro* posed route before ooming to a conclusion. QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE. Mr. Taiaboa spoke to a question of privilege, and in doing so referred to the Parliamentary report of the proceedings of the House in the Times of that day, in which Mr. Samuel drew attention of the Government that certain members of the Council had forfeited their seats, owing to having been absent during the whole of the session without leave. The Spbakkr ruled ils was not competent for Councillors to refer to reports of proceedings of another place. NATIVE LANDS REPKAL BILL. This Bill was committed, and the Council adjourned to halt-past seven. j The Council ia committee resumed at half*past seven. The Native Land Courts Bill, and Maori Real Estate Management Bill were reported with slight; amendments. LOANS TO LOCAL BODIES. Mr. Stkvkns moved the second reading of the Government Loans to Local Bodies Amendment Bill. Mr. Watkrhouse moved an amendment, "That the Bill be read that day six months." After discussion, Mr. Waterhouse's amendment was lost on a division, and the Bill was ordered to be committed next day. The Local Bodies Loans Bill, ou the motion of Mr. Stevkns, for a second reading, was rejeoted, on an amendment by Mr. Waterhouse, " That the Bill be read that day six mouths,' REPRESENTATION BILL, This Bill was committed, and reported without amendment, and passed its final stages. WELLINGTON COLLEGE.

The Wellington College and Girls' High Sohool Gill 4 was lost on an amendment, " That the Bill be read that day six months."

The Counoil adjourned at three minutes past eleven to next day.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THE RAILWAY BILL.

When we went to press yesterday morning this Bill was still in oommittee. The following is a continuation of the report of the proceedings:—Shortly after two a.m. amotion to report progress was lost on a division by 33 to 14. After further discussion the amendment for two Boards was negatived, and clause 5 passed. In clause 34, an amendment by Mr. Hobs* to make the granting of licenses for spirits, etc., by the Coratninioners subject to the approval of the Licensing Commissioners, was carried by 26 to 6. In clause 35, an amendment to make fees for licenses payable to local bodies was lost by 17 to 12. Clause 71, "Commissioners to hear appeals," was amended so that employes must make the appeal within fourteen days of the decision which is appealed against. The remaining clauses passed without amendment, and at half-past four a.m. the Bill was reported. The House then again went into committee to consider clause 9, dealing with salaries and allowances of Commissioners. The Minister of Public Works moved that Chief Commissioner receive £1500, and each of the other Commissioners £1000 per annum. Mr. Ward thought the Government would be disappointed if they held the opinion that first-class men could be imported at the salary proposed. The Premier said there was room for difference of opinion, but he was inclined to the belief that a thoroughly efficient man would be available for £1500 per annum. If Government were unable to obtain the services of an officer for the salary mentioned, then they could ask the House next session to grant an increase. Mr. Taylor moved an amendment that the Chief Commissioner be £1000 and the others £750 each. Lost by 24 to 2, and the clause as proposed by the Government was passed. Mr. T. Thompson moved the insertion of a new clause, providing for a trial of Vailo'a system on the Kaipara and Waikato lines. Lost on the voices. The Bill was then reported with amendment, and the third reading set down for next sitting. Wednesday. The Hoase met at half-past two p.m. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, it was stated that the new valuation for property tax purposes would be made next year, but it would probably not be ready before fresh taxation would have to be imposed ; that it; was shortly intended to open op lands reserved foe railway purposes in South Canterbury, but three months' notice would have to be given before taking this step.

THE RABBIT PEST. Major Atkinson said the Government found it impossible to consider the report of the Joint Rabbit Nuisance Committee owing to press of business, but they thought that wire-fencing having been authorised should be put up, and they would arrange that the wire required for the additional length should be ordered by telegram. i Captain Russell pointed out that the unauthorised expenditure incurred by the late Government in sanctioning the ereotion of 40 miles of fencing was a very serious question. He was prepared to grant the principle that the Government should pay its share towards the cost of this fence, but owners of property should also be compelled to contribute a portion of the cost. Mr. Lance said the expenditure of a small sum by the late Government prevented a serious loss.

PUBLIC BODIES POWERS BILL. Mr. Hislop moved the second reading of the Public Bodies Powers Bill. Agreed to. AUCKLAND GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL. On the motion that the Auckland Girls High Sohool Bill be read a third time, Mr. Tuhnbull. moved that it be read a third time that day three months. After a lengthy discussion, the motion for third reading was lost by 34 to 30. On the question being put, that the Bill be read that day three months, it was also lost by 36 to 29. Mr. Fisher gave notice to move to-morrow that the Bill be read a third time.

PHARMACY ACT AMENDMENT BILL. This Bill was committed, read a third time, and passed.

VAILE'S stptem.

On the motion for the third reeding of the Government Railways Bill, Mr. T. Thom son moved for the re« committal of the Bill to insert a new clause giving Vaile's system a trial for twelve months on the Auokland and Te Awamutu Railway. . Mr. Tanner warned the House of the danger of recommitting the Bill, as the whole discussion would probably be opened up again. The House adjourned at half-past five. The House resumed at half-past seven p.m. Mr. Ward continued the debate on the third reading of the Government Railways Bill, He supported its recommittal. Mr. LkvksTam also hoped that the Bill would be recommitted, for the purpose of adding some new clauses. The motion for recommittal was lost by 52 to 24, and the third reading was carried by 56 to IS. , - 3 On the motion that the Bill do pass, Mr. Skddon made a final protest against the Bill on the ground that it had not received that consideration which a measure 'Of auoh an important character should have had given to it. He thought the colony would bitterly regret this Bill being passed. There was also nothing whatever in the Bill to prevent the Government from appointing Mr. Maxwell as the ohlef commissioner of the Railway Board provided by the Bill. , Sir J. VooitLsaiii the whole responsibility i for this mcMiuo retted with the Government,

and he thought the measure should not have been forced through in the haste that had characterised its passage. There was alio a distinct breach of faith over the Bill. The Government had expressly stated that all amendments that might be proposed would received full consideration. He thought the Bill had little chance of being successful, although it had his earnest wishes for its suooess. Mr. Mora protested against a Bill of this kind being forced through the House with such indecent haste, when other important measures were put aside. He thought it was not too late even now to deal with the Customs tariff this session. Mr (Fergus said Mr Moss had, in his usual doleful strain, treated the House to one of his diatribes on Protection versus Freetrade ; but the country required something else besides Protection. He failed to see that members who were opposing this Bill had advanced any arguments against the Bill at all. The Bill had been before the country for some time, and the country was decidedly in favour of the principle contained in the measure.

Mr. Rkktes (St. Albans) protested against the obstruction that had now come from the Government benches ; and he warned them that if the Government did not get on with the business of the country, the Oppositfon would have to take the matter into their own hands, as their patience was becoming exhausted.

Messrs. T. Thompson, E. Richardson, Mills, Jackson, Fitzherbert. Monk, Levestam, R. Reaves, Taylor, and Ross also spoke on the Bill, after which it was passed on the voices. THE LOAN BILL.

Sir J. Vogel asked whether it was intended to take the seoond reading of the Loan Bill that night ? Major Atkinson said he should ask for the second reading, but he would not press the Bill till Committee of Supply had decided what amount it would give to the Government for expenditure on publio works. Mr. Hkddon asked whether they were to understand that the proposed loan of a million had been brought down as a feeler ? Major Atkinson said he would in that case understand quite wrongly. Mr. Sicddon asked whether the Premier would consent to a reduction of the mil* lion ?

Major Atkinson said it would depend on how such a proposal were made. Mr. Skddon replied that a proposal for the reduction of loan would come batter from a member of the Government party than from Sir J. Vogel, and he advised the member for Christchurch North not to take the responsibility of moving for a reduction. Sir J. VuOKty hopad the Premier would not force the Public Revenue Bill through the second reading that night. He should offer this Bill a most uncompromising hostility, as it proposed to raise £400,000 in five per cent. debentures. Major Atkinson* said he should ask for the second reading, but would not press ft further.

After further discussion, Major Atkinson moved that the Public Revenues Bill be read a second time to-morrow.

Major Atkinson moved the second reading of the Loan Bill. He said, speaking broadly, it had met with general support from the Opposition. The Government had considered that the loan might not be required at present, but after going thoroughly into the whole matter, the Government came to the conclusion that there was no possibility of avoiding the loau that they had proposed. The Government had carefully considered the proposals that had been laid before the House; and it required the careful consideration of every man in the House as to how far they could go in reducing the expenditure in loans for particular works. The Government were going to ask the House to consider every item in the Pub* lie Works estimates, not in a party spirit, to see if it were considered absolutely necessary to reduce any items ; and if the House decided to strike off any particular items the Government would not object to such a oourse. If the House made a substantial reduction, the Government would be prepared to make a reduction in the Loan Bill to that extent. He wished to say that in his opinion the aystsin of borrowing from one account for another was a vicious one, and should be stopped as soon as possible. Nothing, however, could be done in this direction this session. He thought it would not be wise to stop the public works expenditure suddenly. The proposals of the Government were really of a very rational character, and the House would see that they were such as would bring the public works expenditure to a conclusion at the earliest posibledate without creating a panic in the oountry. He again stated that if the House saw tit to out off particular works, the Government would be willing to reduce the loan proposed to be asked for.

Sir J. Vogel moved the adjournment- of the debate till next day at half past two. Agreed to.

PROPERTY TAX BILlj. Major Atkinson moved the second reading of the Property Tax Bill. Mr. Smith moved an amendment, " That, in the opinion of the House, in lieu of the proposed property tax there should be levied * land tax, exempting all improvements, and an income tax with a fair exemption."! He said it would no doubt be urged that it was too late in the session to propose his amendment, but he wished to remind the House that this was the first opportunity he had had of doing so. Major Atkinson' hoped this amendment would be withdrawn, as it would be utterly impossible to bring in a land and income tax under five or six months. He admitted that the matter was open to argument, but at this stage of the session it was impossible to make a change in the incidence of taxation. Everybody would also admit that they must obtain revenue within a very short time. Sir J. Vogkl also hoped the amendment would be withdrawn, as before making any change in this direction it would be necessary to make a fresh valuation. He referred at some length to the whole question of proparty tax, and said the late Government were defeated because they refused to give undue powers to privileged classes. The result of that determination was shown by the recent elections, and by the legislation of the present Government. The question of imposing an income tax was, in his opinion, wsll worthy of consideration. Mr. Taylor said a land tax was impracticable at the present time. He was a believer in a graduated tax, whether it were on land or property. Mr. BARRq,N said Mr. Smith proposed to do the right thing at the wrong time. If hon. members would accept the Premier's assurance that he would afford an opportunity of discussing the matter next session they would do well.

Captain Russell considered it futile to effect any change in taxation this session. When the question came up next year he should move in the direction of reducing the exemption of the property tax to £240. Mr. Kelly and Mr. Grimmohd supported a land tax. Mr. Hobbj said the amendment was brought down to create a diversion, and prevent any other business being done. The mover knew he had not the slightest chance of carrying it. The amendment was lost by 32 to 14. The Bill was read a second time on the voices.

The House rose at twenty minutes to two a.m.