HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11848, 22 July 1893, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

(Per P:tusß Association.) Wellington, July 20. FINANCIAL DEBATE. Mr Wilson complimented ihe Treasurer on bringing down such a clear balancesheet as he had submitted to the Housa. He was glad to find that an additional vote was proposed for surveys, as such expenditure was absolutely necessary in the bush districts, but he regretted that no proposal were made for dealing with the flax industry, and that this staple product was not adequately represented at the Chicago Exhibition. Surely, out oE the surplus, the Government might grant a bonus for the encouragement of such, an important industry. Ho was entirely in favour of the removal of taxation from improvements. Mr J. Kelly moved the adjournment of the debate, which was agreed to, and the House rose at 1.25 a.m. July 21. The Houee met at 2.30 p.m, FR.EETRADH AND PROTECTION. On the motion to set up a Select Committee to consider how the manufactures and industries of the colony may be encouraged, a lengthy discussion arose on the whole question of Freetrade and Protection. Eventually the motion was curried. THE DIGNITY OF THE HOUSE. Mr O'Conor called attention to a matter which affected the dignity of the House. He referred to the charge made last night by one member against another to the effect that that member's hands were reeking with corruption. He (Mr O'Conor) thought statements of that kind should not be allowed in the House, and he thought they must have escaped the Speaker's notice. His opinion was that in a case of this kind the Speaker should instruct the Chief Eeporter of I Hansard to omit such an offensive charge, The Speaker said he certainly had not heard the remark in question * Had he done so he should not have allowed it to pas 3. He could not, however, undertake to give any such instructions to the chief of Hansard, as suggested by Mr O'Conor, as it would be too much power to place in the hands of the Speaker, FINANCIAL DEBATE. Mr Carncross resumed the debate on the Financial Statement. After congratulating the Hon. Mr Ward en the straightforward charaoter of his Budget, he went on to refer in praise to the speeches of Sir John Hall and the Minister for Education, und expressing regret at the approaching retirement of the member for Ellesmero from active politics. The other speeches during the debate were not such a3 reflected much credit on the House. With regard to the surplus, he hoped the House would do its best to assist the Treasurer in seeing that the amount was not considerably reduced when the Supplementary Estimates came up for consideration. He was not one of those who had a feeling of antagonism towards the Bailway Commissioners, but it seemed to him that a touring company of footballers or bowlers received more attention at their hands than the working classes. As to Colonel Fox's report, he thought it was just such as the colony required, and the Colonel deserved their thankß. He could not support the Government in increasing the (Graduated Tax, as he had understood that the impost was merely a finger of warning to prevent the acquisition of large estates. He did not advocate the abolition of the Eailway Commissioners, but he thought some scheme should be devised by which the House wouid have more control over railways. He also urged a reduction in medical fees. Mr Mackenzie (Clutha) complimented Mr Carncross on having made a sound common sense speech. Ho thought his constituents might well ue proud of him. The point Mr Carncross had raised with regard to the reduction of medical feps was worthy of eTery consideration Ibe question would have to be dealt with seriously bafore long, as it was of vital interest to the poorer classes in the colony. He believed the Minister for Lands was doing his best in the interests of the Agricultural Department, but his officers had not practical experience. He strongly supported a Minister having a seat on the Kailway Board, but without right of veto. There was plenty of room for improvement in the management of the railways, and les^ red tape and more commercial knowledge would have a beneficial effect. Debate interrnpt9d by tho 5.30 adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. Mr Mackenzie continued his rem.wks. Referring to the Budget, he said that so far as the Hon. Mr Ward could break through officialdom he believed he had endeavoured to tell the truth and lay betore them an honest statement of the affairs of the colony. He strongly condemned the Incomp Tax and said there was [certain to be a great loss by that form of taxation. After referring in detail to several recent speeches by the Hons. Seddon and Reeves, nmny statements in which were both reckless and incorrect, he went on to congratulate the Minister for Lands on the business-like way in whijh he had purchased the Cheviot estate. He also spoke strongly in defence of the Atkinson administration. As matters now stood the workers of the colony were paying the bulk of the taxation, and a premium was offered to the affluent middle classes in order to secure their votes at the general election.