N.S. WALES POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3014, 20 December 1911, Page 29

N.S. WALES POLITICS.

CENSURE DEBATE ENDED. SYDNEY, December 12. v In the course of the censure debate Mr Wade declared that the 'action of the Government in making an arrangement with a member in regard to the conduct of public business Was a gross violation of a fundamental rule of Responsible Government, but the breaking of the bargain once it was made was a thousandfold worse.

Mr Holman said that Mr Wade's grievance should be directed against the electors rather than the Government. While the Government had only a fictitious majority they did not attempt contentious legislation. Later, however, they had regained their original majority, and the agreement with Mr Willis lasted only while the Government was without a legitimate majority. The basis of the whole arrangement was the ©ven numbers of parties in the House. The motion was defeated by 42 votes to 32. STAMP DITTIES BILL. SYDNEY, December 12. The Treasurer introduced his Stamp Duties Bill. It imposes charges on agreements, statements of share capital, contract -notes, conveyances, drafts, letters of power of attorney, liens on wool, mortgages, bonds, debentures, covenants, or any securities, passage tickets for sea voyages, insurance policies, settlements, deeds of gift, etc. The Government anticipates a revenue therefrom of £400,000. Mr Wood having intimated his desire to return to the Chamber, the Speaker said he would not be able until the censure debate had concluded. .. After the debate Mr Willis stated his willingness to see Mr Wood, but the latter was not then about the House. December 13. When moving the second reading of the Stamp Duties Amendment Bill, Mr Dacey announced that he had decided to modify his scale by dropping the lien on wool taxes and on mortgages and overdrafts, because he did not quite know how he could enforce them. The tax on steamer passengers would also be modified' so as to exempt passengers between ports within a State, but there would be a tax of 6d on first and 3d- on second saloon tickets, and for those outside the Commonwealth of 2s 6d and Is respectively. The Assembly passed .the Stamp Duties Bill in an amended form./ TIED HOUSES. SYDNEY, December 12. The Assembly has adopted Mr Minahan's motion in favour of the abolition of the tied hotels system. SPEAKER'S ACTION DISCUSSED. SYDNEY, December 15. The Assembly was still discussing the Estimates early this morning. The item "Speaker's salary" was the occasion of long and strong Opposition comment on the Speaker's alleged misdeeds, ending in an uproar, members hurling uncomplimentary epithets across the Chamber. For a while the Deputy Chairman of Committee was unable to control the House. Finally the item was forced through by the application of the closure. In the Legislative Council the Government representative announced that the Government would not proceed with the Stamp Duties Bill until the House meets in February. The question of the constitutionality of the tax on boat fares had been raised, and they would await the Crown Law Officer's opinion. SESSION ENDS IN DISORDER. SYDNEY, December 18. The Assembly ended a stormy session with a stormy scene. At the conclusion of the business Mr M'Gowen wished the members seasonal compliments, and said he hoped they would let bygones be bygones. Mr Wade, in replying, said it was all very well to do as Mr M'Gowen said, but they could not forget the degradation whereto they had been subjected for the past- three months. The Speaker called Mr Wade to order twice, and subsequently again called him to order. Thereupon Mr Wade left the House, several members of the Opposition following him and making angry demonstrations against the Speaker, who immediately adjourned the House till February 16.

As he was passing through the lobbies the Speaker wae hooted and jeered, and

cheers were given for liberty. High excitement prevailed. The Council has passed the Income Tax Bill.