PARLIAMENTARY.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume IV, Issue 404, 26 July 1876, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

(j>UOM- OUR SVECLAT, EEPOETEB.) Wellington, Tuesday evening. Rating BillIn the House on Friday the greater part of the time w«s< spent in Committee on Bating Bill. The clauses relating to the sale of land for nonvpayment of rates exoited a deal of animated discussion, in which a large number of members took part, but with the exception of an additional six months' grace being granted, the clauses passed almost as printed. It was agreed that when land was sold lor rates and the balance of the money paid to the "Public Trustee," a fair interest should be allowed on it if afterwards claimed. The whole bill was got through, but as Bovoral clauses had been postponed, leave was obtained to sit again. The Stamp Act Amendment Bill was then read a second time, and the second reading of the Friendly Societies Bill moved by the Minister of Justice. It was agreed to read the Bill a second time, and that it should be committed- on Friday. Municipal Corporations Bill. The House went into Committee on the Municipal Corporations Bill. The first 28 clauses passed almost without remark. On clause 29, fixing soale of votes, the Premier announced that Government had decided that in the election of mayor each ratepayer should have but a single vote, and when the clauses about the election of mayor were arrived at he would move an amendment to that effect. Clauses would also be introduced to allow Municipalities to merge into Counties. Mr Bastings wanted the ratepayers only to have one vote for the election of councillors, and he moved an amendment to that effect Mr BalJance moved another amendment to limit the maximum number of votes to three. A loog discussion ensued, ultimately progress was reported and leave granted to sit again. Saturday afternoon. Mr Whitaker announced his intention of abandoning his land fund resolutions, and on going in boldly and openly for separation. Financial Separation Proposals . Monday. I The Otago members met and agreed to a final form of' separation proposals, to be laid before the Canterbury members. Subsequently they met thirteen of the Canterbury members,, and submitted their proposals to them. The scheme is. not for insular but a financial separation, with a Federal Government. In regard to the Colonial debt, it was proposed to apportion it between the two islands in the proportion of £190.000" lor- the- north,, to £610,000 for the south. Canterbury members objected to this division, as being unfair to the south, and stated that they did not see their way to a financial separation, however inclined to insular separation. On the proposals being put to the vote, 9 voted against Otago proposals, and 1 for them, and 3 declined to vote at all. At the same time a feeling was expressed in favor of turning the present ministry out on their financial policy, and placing in office a Government which would, during the recess consider the possibility of insular separation. Tuesday afternoon. Mr Bees presented two petitions from Mr Farnall, relating to his alleged grievances. The long looked for financial tables, sup' plimentary to the financial statement, were circulated to-day. Public Works Statement. The Public Works Statement will be made this evening, and the Waste Lands Rill pro* bably be introduced to-morrow. 'Jhere will be no further excuse for delay in discussing Government proposals, as their whole polioy will be before the bouse.