TELEGRAPHIC.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 982, 18 August 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC.

CABLE_NEWS [per press agency.] THE~WAR Russians Assumed the Offensive in Armenia. Advance of Snlieman Pasha. Singapore, August 17, 12.30 p.m. Mukhtar Pasha remains on the defensive. He has evacuated Kustindji. Bomhay, August 17, 11 a.m. The left wing of Mehemet Pasha’s army is making towards Suliomau Pasha, whose cavalry are now beyond the Balkans. General Loris Melikoff lias received reinforcements, and has assumed offensive operations against Mukhtar Pasha. Ismali Pasha checks Q-eneral Tergkassof. INTEEPEOYINCIAL. [per press agency.] Dunedin, August 18. Two illicit stills have been found in working order at Opoho, two miles from Dunedin. They were owned by Alexander Wylie, an expoliceman. PARE AMENTARY. Last Eight’s Proceedings. Wellington, August 18. The House resumed at 7.30. Sir G-. Grey continued. He said he would create a colonial land fund by taking 25 per cent, of all the land revenue, including the Native land, care being taken, however, that the Natives obtained by auction in a similar way, full value without the intervention of speculators. They could with new taxes add a million a year to the revenue, against £500,000 (?) taken off the Customs, and yet render taxation far easier for the majority of the taxpayers. If the G-overnment woidd not do this, lie saw many men around him whom he would be glad follow in doing it. Mr Macandrew urged the immediate adoption of such a beneficial policy. He would prefer an acreage contribution, say of 2s (id, going into the colonial chest to a per ccntago on the land fund. Hon. Major Atkinson defended the accuracy of his figures in the financial statement. He was glad Sir George Grey had advanced a definite policy. The House could judge between that policy and his. If the House preferred Sir G. Grey’s, Sir G. Grey| could immediately take office, and see if he could change the whole financial policy of the colony in a few hours. Property already contributed very largely to the taxation of the country. A property tax of Is in the £ for the whole colony would only yield £130,000. Sir G. Grey’s figures were entirely fallacious. The operation of the Inscription of Stocks Act would relieve the colony from the sinking fund. He had fulfilled every pledge given two years ago, and by prudent and far-seeing policy got the country into a position fo do without further present taxation. The Government would stand on their policy, ns against Sir George Grey’s. Mr Montgomery criticised the financial statement, asserting its figures were in many respects delusive. The necessities of the colony would soon force the land fund into the colonial chest. Sir George Grey’s proposals were sound in principle. A fair share of the public burdens should be placed on the proper shoulders immediately. Mr Stout accused the Ministry of shuflling this question, as they had done with the Native Lands Bill. They would agree to do anything next year if left in office this one. The Hon. C. C. Bowen’s proposal was a complete reversal of the Goverment policy, and every word the Hon. Major Atkinson said was an argument against it. He strongly condemned the whole past policy of the Ministry, and supported Sir G. Grey’s proposals. Hon. W. 11. Eeynolds strongly supported the imposition of a property tax this session. Mr Harper opposed the taxing of property. The country had not been consulted. It would drive capital away. Until all the land was sold property should not be taxed. Property already bore a fair share of the public burdens. Mr Pyke condemned the custom duties, and supported a property and income tax. Mr Eees thought country ripe for a change in its financial policy. If the Government doubted it let them appeal to the country. Dr. Hodgkinson supported Sir G. Grey’s proposals. Mr Hunter maintained that the financial statement gave a fair account of the position of the colony. If a property tax were imposed the owners would have either to employ less labor or reduce wages. Property should only be taxed by local bodies for local purposes. Ho would prefer an income to a laud tax. Mr Murray moved the adjournment of the debate, and the House rose at 12.20 a.m. The District Railway Bill. The following are some of the leading features in the District Eailway Bill. A Joint Stock Company may construct and maintain railways. Companies must first make application to the County Councils, and if a majority of one or more members approve of the proposals, then the votes of ratepayers arc to decide, hut if the majority of the Comity Councils disapprove the matter drops. When the sanction of the ratepayers and Governor is obtained the Governor may take any land required, and subject to Government inspection, and in accordance with approved plans, may construct railways on a guage of three feet six. Interest at the rate of seven per cent to be guaranteed to the company on the cost of construction, such interest to be raised by special rate levied by the Borough and County Councils.