PARLIAMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 4182, 22 July 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

[Bt Telxobafh.]

Wellington, July 22. In the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon,

The Hon. Mr Richardson gave notice that oh Tuesday next he would ask leave to introduce the Public Works Bill for 1876. Mr Murray asked if the Government would consult the House before they appointed an Agent-General.

The Premier replied that to the present nothing had been said upon the subject. The Cabinet had not even discussed the question, and nothing was decided. As soon as they decided on anything, the House would be informed.

The House went into Committee on the Rating Bill. jQlause 40 (defining rateable property) was postponed at the request of the Premier. On clause 41 (denning ferm of rate), Mr Hodgkinson moved an amendment that the following words be added :—" Or an acreage rate not exceeding one penny per acre on Crownlands, leased or licensed, or threepence on all other lands."

The amendment was negatived, and the clause was agreed to. Clause 43 was amended so as to give ratepayers twelve days' notice of the time when the rate-book is open for inspection. - Clause 44 (rate-book to be signed by three members) was amended by giving local bodies power to fix the time and hour for inspection. Clauses 45, 46, and 47 passed nem. con. On clause 48 (occupier to pay only for time he occupies), Mr Whitaker moved that the clause be struck out. The clause was omitted. In clause 49 (repealing Acts for recovery of rates), on the motion of Mr Whitaker, the following words were inserted at the beginning of the clause—" except as hereinbefore provided by section 38." Clauses 51 and 52 passed. Clause 53 (rates recoverable as dett after fourteen days) passed unaltered after some discussion. Clauses 54 and 55 passed. Clause 56 (owner liable aft* r three months) was amended by the Premier, so as to guard against the owner being sued for an accumu lation of rates by compelling the Board to sue for rates before the expiration of six months.

Clauses 57 to 62 inclusive passed unamended.

Clause 63 (property may be notified for sale after six months notice) was made to read twelve months.

On clause 64 (property may be sold after six months), a good deal of discussion ensued on the question of absenteeism. It was argued that it would be monstrous tyranny to sell a person's land without his knowledge. In answer to that it was urged that the State must not suffer for them if they did not choose to look after their land. They ought to have a representative. Absentees deserved no sympathy whatever. The House rose at 5.30 p.m.