GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 1508, 28 August 1876, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF; REPBESENTATIVES. Wellington, August 26. KiTrsta~Btct: The House^ resumed at . 7.30 p no. - yesterday, v goings 'iiito iCdmmittee.i-on.'th« Itafing Bill. In Clause 40 it was proposed to leave out the words "or by dwellings of officiating Mihistera of ' rflligi6n," ;: with ft view of inserting Athenasuma, Museums, or Mechanics' Institutions. ( A division was taken, .and £he words retained, by 22 against 18. '.( ■ i Mr Stout then moved, " That the wordß ' public libraries, athentßumsVniuseunir, or mechanics', be inserted." Words inserted. . . Mr Button then moved the imqe.rtion ( qt. the words '"Masbnic, Oddfellows', and Good Templars' HaUs."

The words were rejected on a division, by 46 to 16. It was then moved that the words " or schools established by some religious body " be struck out. A division, was taken, and the words retained by 31 against 24. Mr Button then moved the insertion of the words ' ' or any schools maintained by subscriptions. " The House divided, and the words were rejected by 31 to 19. Mr Stout moved "That colleges, or universities be exempt."

This wjvs agreed to. Mr Andrew moved that sub-section 6 (exempting lands over which native title is not extinguished) be struct out. The Native Minister pointed out. that they could hot rate lands to which they had no title. The object therefore was impossible to carry out. It was argued on the otherhand that it was unfair not to raie native lands wherever it was possible to do bo, and it could be done over a great part of the colony. - The amendment was negatived. When the clause was put as a whole, Mr Reynolds said he would give notice for the recommital of the Bill, with the view of reconsidering sub-section 4 (providing for the exemption of religious buildings.) Clause 40 passed as amended. A new clause was introduced, providing that with any. property let for leas than six months, the occupier shall be deemed to be liablo for the rates. The remaining clause and schedules having been passed, progress was reported. After the refreshment hour the Bill was recommitted, and Mr Reynolds moved his amendment to exclude from exemption dwellings of d officiating ministers of religion.' ■■■■■! • A division was taken, and the votes were 26 and 26. Mr O'Rourke gave his casting vote m favor of retaining the words " negativing the amendment." The Bill was reported jwith : .amendments, and the House adjourned at 1 a.m. AGENT GENERAL. The Premier announced that on Tuesday he would probably be able to announce to the House what course they proposed taking regarding the appointment of Agent General.