HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8521, 11 July 1889, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wednesday, July 10.— The House met at 2 30 p.m. In replying to questions, Ministers said they would shortly propose «. reduction of the fee charged for registration on letters; they did not see their wa; to legislate for the better preservation of New Zealand flax; they*, had no desire to hurry the passage of the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Bill; they desired to give local bodies j reasonable time to understand its provisions, but hoped the bill would be passed this session ; that they would extend the soope of the proposed Commission on sweating to include the case of shop girls. Mr Duncan moved in the direction of the Home distillation of all spirits used in the colony, and che early erection of central distilleries of sufficient capacity to produce all the spirits consumed in the colony under the excise regulations. Ii would effectually prevent smuggling or illicit distillation, without raising or lowering the price to the consumer. He argued that such an industry would be a great advantage to the farmers of this country. Dr. Hodgkinson also thought the establishment of Buch an industry would be advantage to the farming interest. Mr Ballance suggested that the motion should be amended to enable distilleries to be erected in any part of the colony. Farmers would be benefitted, while the revenue would not suffer. An important colonial indus'ry would be established. The debate was adjourned for a week. Mr Barron moved that the Property Tax, unless it can bo abolished, should be annually decreased. He said no doubt retrenchment could be carried out a good deal further, and pressure should be kept on the Government until further reductions were made. Mr Fergus' said the mover had failed to show any better means of providing revenue for carrying on the Government. Mr Ballance said the Government should have treated the motion as one of no confidence, ac, if carried, the Government could retain offise. He opposed the motion, on the ground that it would pat additional taxation on the people. Mr Scobie Mackenzie Bupported the motion, although he did not think a reduction could take place in the way suggested by the mover. He suggested if the motion wa» carried it would be an indication to the Premier to reduce taxation. Mr Moss moved, as an amendment, " That the Property Tax is unfair ia its incidence, harassing in its effect, and an obstacle to the progress and settlement of the country." Dr Hodgkinson supported the Amendment. Mr Guinness moved the adjournment of the debate. The House rose at 5.30 p.m. On the House resuming at 7.30 p.m., Major Stewnrd n ovod tho seoand reading of tho Electoral Franchise Bill. Mr Ballance also favorod the bill. Mr Fergus opposed it, and said he was sorry to see Mr Ballance had broken away from his natural leader, Sir R. Stout, who hod always discountenanced any attempt to interfere with the present system. The debate was curried on till 12.30 a.m., when the motion was lost by 37 to 25,