THE ABOLITION BILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1243, 25 September 1875, Page 10

THE ABOLITION BILL.

Clause 18. — The Treasurer moved an unimportant amendment, which was agreed to. Mr Macandrew moved an amendment, and supported the same by warning those who were passing these sweeping changes. The Provincial Governments nad executed public works, such as roads and bridges, &c, which were not within the compass of the action of Road Boards. Out of the L 230.000 spent in the Province not more than LIO,OOO had been spent in the City of Dunedin. The honourable member believed that no real local Government would emanate from this House. It must come from the Provincial Councils.

Sir F. D. Bell said he could not support the clause, and would support Mr Macandrew's amendment.

Mr Brown, of Ashley, objected to charging immigration against provincial districts, and moved an amendment to that effect.

Major Atldn3oa said it was clear that the land fund should be applied to the introduction of immigrants. Government would not accept either amendment in any shape or form. Although the Government in view of the Act passing this session had agreed that Boards of Works should be established, but, in the view of the postponement of the matter, he absolutely declined to do that, or in anyway meddle with the clause in that direction for a couple of sessions. The Bill must be of a tentative character until that time had passed. The system of colonial finance and administration could not be thoroughly established, and such a thing as formality could not be anticipated. Mr Stafford commented on the fact that by the early system of finance that expenditure for immigration and public works in various districts should be borne by the land funds of the respective districts, would be unfair, because of the inequality of the land funds. He sup|x>rted the clause as it stood. Mr M'Gillivray opposed the amendment. Mr Shepherd opposed both amendments. Mr Montgomery supported Mr Macandrew's amendment, and that by Mr Brown, to relieve Provincial districts of the charge of immigration.

Mr Sheehan wanted to know if the Government intended to carry through their Local Government Bill, if not he would support the amendment of the member for Port Chalmers.

Major Atkinson said the Government intended to go on with the Local Government Bill, but did not think it probable that it would pass through this session. The debate was interrupted by the dinner hour.

On the House reassembling at 7.30,

Major Atkinson said that, as the feeling of the House seemed to be strongly in favour of Mr Brown's amendment, the Government would accept it.