F.—No. 3

8

On the question being put That the clause as amended do stand part of the Bill, the Committee divided, and tho names were taken down as follows : — Ayes, 5. Noes, 3. Mr. Campbell, Dr. Featherston, Mr. Jollie, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. AVilliamson. Hon. Mr. Stafford, Mr. A rogel. So it passed in the affirmative, and the clause as amended was agreed to. Adjourned until Friday, the 27th September, at 10 o'clock, a.m. Fbidat, 27th Septembee, 1567. Peesent : Mr. Campbell, Hon. Mr. Stafford, Mr. Jollie, Mr. Stevens, Dr. Featherston, Mr. Vogel, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. AVilliamson. Mr. Moorhouse, Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert in the Chair. The reading of the Public Debts Bill was continued. Clauses 3 to 11 were read and agreed to. Preamble and clause 1 agreed to. Proposed by Dr. Featherston, That the sixth item in Schedule A. be struck out, it not being practicable to define the liability. Carried. Schedule A., as amended, agreed to. Schedule 8., after a short discussion, agreed to ; the sth clause to read with alterations, " For taking up the total unraised aud unissued, &c, • * * • a sum not exceeding." " The Consolidated Loan Act, 1867," was then read. In the title, after the word "pounds," the word " sterling " to be inserted. Preamble and clause 1 postponed. Clause 2, after some discussion, agreed to. Clause 3 agreed to, with the addition of the word " sterling " after " pounds." Clause 4 read and agreed to, with the insertion of the words " and conditions " after the word " mode," and striking out the words " whether by sinking fund or otherwise." Clauses 5 and 6 read and agreed to. Clause 7 agreed to with the insertion of the word " conversion " before " redemption." Clauses 8, 9, and 10, read and agreed to. Clause 11 read, alterations made, after the words "no Act" insert tho words " or Ordinance which may be passed by " dele the word " of." " The draft " Public Debts Bill, 1867," and the draft " Consolidated Loan Bill, 1867," as amended, having been approved of by the Committee, the Chairman was requested to draw up an interim report and introduce them to the House as approved by tho Committee. Moved by Mr. Macandrew, That without desiring to fetter the action of the Government in carrying out the provisions of the Consolidated Loan Act, this Committee is of opinion that it is expedient that the agency shall be placed in the hands of some great financial house in London rather than in the hands of any bank or associated banks. Carried. Adjourned.