HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7167, 31 July 1890, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, July 30, LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

The Bon Mr Fergus moved for tho appointment of a committee to consider and roport on the question of local Govermont. — Mr Moss moved for an addition to the effect that the committee should inquire into the desirability of establishing two or more Provincial Councils, with the necessary functions granted to them, which would relievo the House of cortain local responsibilities.— This was lost by 45 to 8, the original motion boing carried by 39 to" 21.

questions.

In replying to questions it was stated that the Government would take steps to have a Bill introduced next session to arrest the diseaso known as " foul brood " among bees,— Government had not yet sent a congratulatory telegram to Western Australia on its securing constitutional government, but no doubt the Ministry would gladly do so when tho matter was brought under its notice.

supply.

On tho motion, "That the House g) into Committee of Supply," Mr Barron moved, as an amendment, " That it is desirable that the Property Tax, unless it was abolished at an earlier date, should be annually decreased, so that it shall not exceed throe farthings in the pound for tho present year.one farthing for the year 1892, and that after such date it shall cease," and (2) "That any deficiency in the revenue ocouring thereby should be made good by further retrenchment in the public service." Ho pointed out that when the Colonial Treasurer introduced the Property Tax in 1879 ho had led tho House to believe that it was not meant to be permanent. Captain Eussell said it was utterly impossible to comply with the terms of the amendment, us the Government could not do without tho revenue raised undor the tax. — Messrs Fish, Goldio, Thompson (Alaraden), Hobbs, Smith, and Taylor spoko in favour of tho amendment. — Messrs Eichardson and Hamlin opposed, after which tho amendmont was put and lost by 33 to 24

The Houso then went into Committee of Supply for the consideration of the Estimates.

Printing and Stationery, £22,798.— Mr Fiah moved to reduco tho vote by £2000, tho reduction to includo all increases over £200.

Tho Houso adjourned, and on resuming at 7.30 Captain EussoU agreed to a suggestion from Mr Thompson (Marsden) that the Printing and Stationery vote be reduced by £1750, and the vote was then passed as reduced.

Miscellaneous Service, £17409.— Mr Fish moved that tho first item (contingencies, £8000) bo reduced by £1000. Tho reduction was carried on the voices. — Mr Fish moved that the itom "J. Oiitram, Otago, £188 " (a pensioner) be struok out, which was agreed to on the voices. — Mrßuohanan moved that tho item "Exponsosof 'The Adulteration Prevention Aot,lßßo,' £450" bo struck out ; agreed to on the voices. Maintenance of the Mannwatn Gorgo Road £800. — Mr McKenzio (Waihomo) moved to reduce tho item by £100 ; lost on the voicos. — Mr Thompson (Marsden) moved to strike out the itom "Computation of the Ancient History of the Maoris, £420 j " carried. A motion to strike out tho item "Now Zealand and Australasian Soience Association, £500," was negatived hy 47 to 20, as also was a motion to reduce it by £230.— Mr Goldio moved to strike out £150 as payment to tho Eev. A. C. M. Watson for oxpensoa in connection with lecturing on Now Zealand iv England. The item was omitted by 32 to 25, and the Miscellaneous vote, as reduced, then pnssod.

Crown Lands and Survoy Department. — Land Department, £11,839.— Me Fish moved to reduce the item "£6OO, salnry of Undor-Sccretary," Chiof Clerk, £375. — Mr Fish moved to reduce the item by £25 ; agreod to on tho voices. Five Clerks, £910. — This item was roduc.od by £35, the amount of tho inoreaaos. — Mr Fish moved a reduction of £10 in the salary of tho Wellington Chief Clerk, £260. After 11 p.m. tho motion for the reduotion of £10 in tho salary of tho Wellington Chief Cleric to £260 was carried on tho voices. Progross was, reported and tho Houso rose ab 11.5. >