HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8017, 10 November 1887, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Tuesday, November B.— The House met at 2 30 p.m. In replying to questions, it was stated that instructions could not be given that 25 words be substituted in the place of ten words for delayed telegrams at the existing rates ; tint the cost of the lost torpedo was £250 ; that the Government did not feel justified in 'tnkiag steps to provide for jurors receiving travelling expenses when attending Court ; that £60,000 to £70,000 a-year was reoeived from absentee landholders in property tax, an<i the Government did not propose introducing special extra taxation on this class, * Major Atkinson moved a resolution expressing the sincere sympathy of the House with tho widow, family, and friends of Mr. Domett in the great loss they had sustaiaed in the death of that gentleman, who had rendered such valuable service to the Colony. — Sir J. Yogel, Sir J. Hall, and Mr. Kerr concurred in the resolutions, and gave testimony to Mr. Domett's high character and ability. — The motion was agreed to. ' ■ Mr..Guinness then moved that the House at its rising do adjourn till Thursday next. — The motion was lost on the voicee. • Tuo House topo at 5.30 p.m. The House met at 7.30 p.m. The Premier submitted the following names to compose the Midland Railway ; Committee : — Sir John Hall, Bir G. Grey, I Sir J. Vos;el, Messrs. Allen, Fulton, Pyke, Russell, E. Richardson, G. F. Richardson, Hodgkinson, Samuel, Seddon, and Lovostam. — Carried. DEBATE OM FINANCIAL STATEMENT. On tho motion to go into Committee of Supply, Sir J. Yogel addressed himself to . tho Financial Statement, and said h.9 would do so impartially, tie characterised Major Atkinson's retrenchments as shallow, and contrasted them unfavorably with those of the late Government. Compared with Major Atkinson's proposals, the late Goveruaient would have come out £97,000 hotter than the present Government. The Colonial Treasurer had under estimated the Property Tax, and was disingenuous about the Customs, whioh he had estimated nt £35,000 less than last year. Sir Julius Yogel claimed to have saved the colony three-quarters of a million of taxation during the last three yeare, as the result oi his dealing with the sinking fund. He thong at foui Ministers should resUo in WelliagiQU, uad tho regt, with muolj

smaller salaries, should reside at home, and look after local matters. He favored the selling of the Ministerial residences, but disliked the cutting down of the honorarium. He was prepared to accept the dictum of the country on the question of redaction of the number of members and districts. Judges were of opinion that not more than £30,000 could be saved in tbe education vote. He warned the Government that if they refused to give particulars of how their economies were to bo effected they would- not stay longjon the benches. If they attempted to maintain such a position they would find s\ vote called for on every item of the estimates. Looking at the proposals as a whole, he defied anyone to say that any amount of retrenchment would enable them to square matters unless they were to live on borrowed money. Speaking of the proposed loan, he warned the House that to guarantee no more borrowing for three years would be most dangerous, and would certainly lead to a suspension of public works a year before the time was up. He would limit the amount to half a'< million. If another million must be raised j it should be deferred for a year. Mr. Fisher followed, criticising Sir Julius Vogel's speech in detail. He said when the proper time arrived the Government would be prepared to explain every specific item in the reductions proposed to be made. Mr. Ballance condemned the reduction of the smaller salaries, and said the-reduc-tion should only be of a temporary character. He contended the " one policeman" policy had been an unqualified success. He dealt at length with the Statement, taking the same line as Sir J. Vogeh The House adjourned at 12.20 till Wednesday, it being understood the financial debate was to be proceeded with after the private members' business had been disposed of. Wednesday, November 9. — The House met at 2.30 p.m. In replying to questions, it was stated that the Government had no intention of making reductions in the ' pay of skilled and unskilled workmen in the public service ; that a sum would be put upon the Estimates this year for fire brigades in tbe colony. Mr. Beeves moved that an import duty ou coal of not less than 2s 6*l per ton be imposed, a debate ensued which was postponed. Mr. Tumbull (in Mr. Ballance's absence) moved the second reading of the Municipal Corporation Act Amendment Bill, providing that Borough Councils will pass a by-law to prevent the Chinese from trading in any borough unless licensed. The debate was adjourned. The House rose at 4.55 p.m. DEBATE ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT. On the House resuming at 7.30 p.m., Dr. Newman resumed the debate on the Financial Statement, and was followed by Mr. Beeves (St. Albans), who thought the Budget was not one such as the constituencies had & right to expect. Mr. Hodgkiuson supported the retrenchment policy of the Government, but as it was one of excessive borrowing, it was in his opinion bad policy. Mr. Steward supported retrenchment, and favored the appointment of a Railway Board. Mr. McKenzie (Clatha) approved of the manner in which the Government had gone about economy. He would snpport the present Government, but would not vote for farther borrowing. Mr. Taylor said he could not agree with the Government proposals. After Taiwbanga had addressed the Hoube, the debate, on the motion of Mr. Fish, was adjourned. The House rose at 11.35 p.m.