THIS DAY'S SITTING.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4265, 1 September 1882, Page 2

THIS DAY'S SITTING.

The House met at nootv Major Atkinson said an arrangement had been come to between Rhodes' executive and the Government, whereby a fair amount of duty would be paid, he therefore moved the discharge of the Rhodes' Estate Duty Bill with a view of introducing an amended bill in conformity with the arrangement. Mr Bathgate tabled a motion to the effect that with a view of facilitating business policy bills in future be prepared and circulated among local bodies interested at least two month's before the convening of sessions; that the estimates be placed on the table the first day of the session; and that the practice of voting large sums as supplementary estimates at a late period of the session be henceforward discontinued. ' Replying to Mr Rutherford, Mr Dick said the Government would take an early opportunity of ascertaining from the law officers as to which local body, the town board or county councP, was entitled to Vt . licensing fees and dog tax, under 1- section 35 of the Town Districts Act 1881, and section 109 of the licens:ng Act 1881, and would communicate the result at an early date.. His own opinion was that there could be no doubt but the town districts were entitled to the fees. Replying to Mr Levestam, Major Atkinson said Government would inquire into the allegation that Dunedin firms were importing boiled fruit duty free, and as to what steps ought to be taken to prevent such importations acting injuriously to colonial jam factories. Replying to Mr Petrie, Mr Bryce said capitation allowance to volunteers would be proposed on the supplementary estimates. Replying to Mr Steward, i Mr Dick said it was intended to proceed this session with the Licensing Amend* ment Bill.