HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 65, 13 September 1895, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.80. Captain Russell said he was continually being asked by business men when the tariff proposals would be brought down. Hon. Seddon said he hoped to have the Tariff Bill introduced to-morrow night. The Unimproved Value Bill was read a second time, by 42 to 11. Hon. Ward moved the second reading of the Laud and Income Assessment Act Amendment Bill, which made the date for the collection of the Land Tax a fixed one— viz., 17th August next. He said this was necessary in order that the interest due should reach London by the November mail. The Income Tax should be collected on 31st January. The second portion of the Bill dealt with the Land Tax in respect of Native lands. Mr Ward intimated that the collection of the Land Tax this year would be made about the middle of October. Capt. Russell said Mr Ward.s excuse for the collection of the land tax in August pointed to an exceedingly weak system of finance. The collection in August would press more heavily on farmers than than at any other period of the year. Sir R. Stout and several others protested against the House being deprived of its right to deal annually with recurrent taxation. A long debate ensued which was interrupted by the 0.80 adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30. The debate on the second reading of the Land and Income Assessment Act Amendment Bill was continued, and the second reading carried by 49 to 14. The Hon. A. J. Cadman jmoved the second reading of the Mining Act Amendment Bill, and a lengthy debate ensued. On the motion of Mr Harris the debate was adjourned. The Reprint of Statutes Bill ; Poisons Importation and Carriage Bill passed through Committee without material amendment, and subsequently were read a third time and passed. In Committee on the Corrupt Practices Preveution Act Amendment Bill, a new clause was added providing penalties in cases of failure by any candidate to fur- # nish a return of his election expenses ' or for sending in a false return. A new clause, proposed by Mr Allan, making personal canvass on an elector a corrupt practice under the Act, was rejectod by 23 to 19. A new clause, proposed by Mr Massey, to prevent the interference of members of the Government in elections, was lost on the voices. The Bill was reported, read a third time, and passed. The House rose at 1 a.m.