THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 222, 11 October 1878, Page 3

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3.

In the House of Representatives — The third reading of the Land Tax Bill was carried by a majority of 42 against 19. The Customs Tariff Bill was passed. The Hon. J. Ballance moved the second reading of the Beer Duty Bill. Mr Johnston moved that it be read a second time that day six months. After a very brief discussion, a division was taken on the question •' that the words proposed to be left out now stand part of the question." The vote was — ayes 28, noes 30. When the. result of the division was announced, the Hon. R. Stout rose to move as an amendment — " That instead of the words ' this day six months,' the word ' to-morrow ' be inserted. rt He believed three members had broken their pairs. A long series of personal explanations followed, Mr Stout having stated, in reply to Major Atkinson, that the members were — the members for Egmont (Major Atkinson), Motueka (Mr Hursthouse), and Lyttelton (Mr Murray- Aynsley). Then followed a personal explanation from each of these gentlemen, to show that they had paired for the Land Tax Bill. Their statements being confirmed by witnesses, the Speaker pointed out that the House could not take cognizance of pairs. Mr J. C. Brown (Government whip) said he had been under a different impression regarding Major Atkinson. Mr Turnbull said he voted with the ayes under a misconception. The Hon. R. Stout produced the pair paper, signed by the whips on either side, from which it appeared that the respective sides were ranged under the headings "For the. Government," and "Against the Government. " He asserted that the Government whip had been badly treated, and moved the adjournment of the matter till next day. After a few remarks, this was agreed to, and the house rose.