GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2330, 21 September 1881, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[PBEfIS ASSOCIATION? TKIBSBAM.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. TUBSDAY, SBPTBMBBB 20. I The Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Railway Construction and Land Bill was read a third time and passed on a division by 16 to 14, the names being the same as in the earlier divisions. The Deceased Persons Estates Duty Bill was read a second time, and the Council then adjourned from 5 till 7.30 p m. EVENING- SITTING. The Council resumed at 7.30. The Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill was read a first time. The Standing Orders Committee was directed to search for precedents relative to the Counoil's action on the Pensions Bill. The Property Assessment Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, and the Neglected and Criminal Children Act Amendment Bill a third time. Tho Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Bill was pasted through committee, and the Deceased Persons Estates Bill waa thrown out in committee by the carrying of a motion for tho Chairman to leave the chair. The Hon. Mr Whitaxbe gave notice that he would movo to reinstate the Bill. Tho Council rose at 8.50. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, Septembbb 20. MORNING SITTING. The House met at 11 a.m. PROPBBTY TAX BILL. The Hon. Major Atkinson moved the second reading of the Property Tax Bill. Mr Saunders blamed the Government for proposing a Bill of this kind without explanation. He ought to have shown the real state of thoir finance, and not delude them by living on borrowed money. Before they thought of reducing taxation, he ought to have shown them that he was able to live without borrowed money. Mr Ballanob concurred in the opinion that fuller information should have been given. He thought the reliof proposed ought to have been given in a different way from that proposed. It ought to have been given in the shape of relief upon agricultural and other similar improvements. He felt, however, that it was useless to talk of any alteration, and blamed tho Government for having persistently kept baok all important measures to this late period of the session. It appeared to him that there was nothing for it but to pass the Bill. Mr Moss commented upon the groat irregularity in being called upon to pass such an important measure at a morning sitting, after they had been Bitting t"''l 2 a.m. that morning. It appeared to him that the Government just lay in wait to catch upon an opportunity for passing this and that measure by a kind of subterfuge. It was quite clear that they could not discuss the Bill with any cbanoe of success.

Sir G. Gbby also blamed the Government for having brought forward the Bill at this late period. He also blamed them for compelling the House to sit so many hours in a day. The effect was to weaken the intellect, and by that means measures were allowed to slip through, whioh would not be the case under a better system. He gave an instance of the effects of this manner of carrying on the work.

The Hon. J. Hall rose to a point of order, and appealed to the Speaker to prevent this recapitulation, whioh the Speaker decided against him. Sir G. Gkby went on to say that many difficulties of this kind were sure to turn up. The fact was that the members of the Government took turn and turn about. They got rest, and by that means they pushed through their measures by mere dint of subterfuge. Such conduct on the part of the Government was most reprehensible and unfair to tho country. He was opposed to the Bill, and agreed with the objections stated by Mr Ballance. If any difficulty arose on the West Coast, it would have to be grappled with at onoo. Even although funds were squandered away, there must be no dallying or prolonged conference. It was the salvation of both laces that this course should be followed. In that cose this was not a time to reduce as proposed by the Bill taxation. In committee he would propose such alterations as would transform the Bill into one of property tax on land.

Mr Macandbbw was opposed to the prinoiple of the Bill, but inasmuch as it was proposed to mitigate an evil he would support it. He also blamed the Government for the irregularity with which they conduoted the business.

Mr Gisbobhe would also support the Bill, but did so only beoause at this period of the session he saw no chance of making material alterations, however much they might be desired.

Mr J. T. Fisher would not support the Bill, as the principle of the Bill was crushing the life blood out of the colony. The Hod. Major Atkinson eaid it seemed to him that the House was in possession of all the surrounding faots connected with the Bill, and he would only be taking up time unnecessarily by explanations. He defended the mode of taxation proposed by the Bill as best for reaching the rioh men. The latter class was paying at present £42,000, whereas under an income tax at 6d they would not contribute more than £17,000. He disputed that they were in the critical condition asserted by Mr Saunders, expressing his opinion that they might have gone even further than they had done in borrowing money. The motion for the second reading was put and earned. The House adjourned at 1.25 p.m. AFTEHNOON SITTING. The House reassembled at 2.30. QUESTIONS.

Replying to a question put by Mr Kelly, The Hon. J. Hall said that the petitions for compensation in connection with the Rimutaki railway accident having been referred to the petitions oommittee, on the motion of a member of the Government, he felt bound to adopt the committee's recommendation. He was bound, however, to admit that he did not concur in the recommendation made.

CUSTOMS AND BXOIBB DUTIES BII.L. The Hon. Major Atkinson moved the second reading of the Customs and Excise Duties Bill. He deprecated any discussion on the abstrectjquestions of free trade and protection over this Bill, and although he felt bound to admit that in many respects our tariff departed from free trade principles, yet neither »t nor this proposed amendment were intended to be protectionist. The proposal to impose a duty of 2d per lb. on hams and bacon was made more for sanitary than fiscal purposes, as it was felt desirable to discourage the importation of these articles from America, where producers were now seeking a new market, as Franoe and Germany had forbidden the meat as unwholesome. With a direct subsidised steam service with America, he almost feared that the duty was not high enough. A distillation clause had been introduced on the recommendation of the Local Industries Oommittee. At this late period of the session, however, he did not think there would be sufficient time to give the subject all the consideration it demanded. Under these circumstances he would not objoot to the clauses relating to distillation being struck out.

Mr Gisbobne thought that the thin end of the protection wedge was being introduced by the proposed tariff. He fully recognised the importance of encouraging local industries, but they should remove the duties on the raw material, and even give a bonus on the local production, and not, as proposed by the Bill, impose a protective duty. The subject was a large one, and it was to be regrotted that the Bill had not been introduced at an earlier date.

Colonel Tbihble reviewed the various imposts proposed, which he argued were too high. He would not oppose the Bill, but in eommitteo would propose material reductions.

Mr Hdbsthouse advocated the imposition of a higher rate than that proposed on hams and bacon, which he contended would have the effect of preventing the importation of diaoused meat into the colony. He also supported tho increased duty on jams. Mr Ballance spoke in favor of the tariff being made a protective one, and condemned the bonus system, as being beneficial for only one or two individuals.

Sir W. Fox spoke at some length against the introduction of protectionist fallacies under the guise of encouraging and promoting looaljindustries.

Dr. Wallis condemned the praotice of constantly changing the tariff. The Bill before the House, he maintained, tended in the direction of a protective policy.

,*** Stbtbns acquiesced in the first clause of the Bill, but considered its other clauses most objectionable.

Mr Swanson read a telegram from a produpe firm in Auokland, largely engaged in the Fiji trade in maize, objecting to the duty proposed on that cereal. He would give the Government what assistance he could in carrying the Bill, but he hoped an exoeption would be made in the case of the Fiji trade. After further remarks from Messrs Saunders, Andrews, Murray, and others, The Hon. Major Atkinson briefly replied. After whioh the motion for the second reading was put and carried on the voioes.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. RAILWAYB AND LAND BILL The Railways and Land Bill was received from the Legislative Counoil as amended. The amendments were ordered to be considered to-morrow. BILLS ASSENTED TO. The -Premier laid on the table a despatch from the Secretary of State, intimating the Royal Assent to the Native Lands Court Act passed last session. A message was received from the Aoting Governor, assenting to the following Bills :—Gaming and Lotteries; Public Reserves; Auckland Reserves, Exchange, and Change of Trust; Oamaru Harbor Board; Waitara Harbor Board Loan; Regulation of Elections ; St. Paul's Presbyterian Church (Ohristohuroh) Trustees Incorporation ; Native Suoeession ; Prisons Act Amendment; Otago University Reserves Vesting; Rangiora High School; Waimate and Temuka Publio Schools; Chatham Islands Post Offioo ; Crown Suits ; Rabbit Nuisance ; Timaru Harbor Bill Amendment; Waimakariri Harbor Board Loan ; Masterton and Greytown Lands Management; Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association; Waimate Raceooune Reserves; Timaru Water-race Reserves; Canterbury Rivers Act Amendment; Roxburgh Recreation Ground Management; Invercargill Gasworks Site; Adoption Children. LBASEHOLDBBS' QT/AJUEICATION BILL.

Sir G. Grby asked the Premier if he would make his promised statement with reference to the Leaseholders' Qualification Bill. The Fbbmibb said—l promised the other evening to consider with my colleagues the question for so modifying the Leasehold Qualification Bill as to enable it to pass this session. _ The question has received the careful consideration of the Government. The Bill was almost a fac-simile of the clause introduced into the Representation Bill on the motion of Mr Moss on behalf of Mr Sheehan, but for satisfactory reasons it was excised from the Bepresentation Bill and put in a separate Bill. It was carried by a very considerable majority. When the Bill was in committee an addition was moved by Sir G. Grey, the purport of whioh, it appears to me, would be foreign to the objeot of the Bill. The Bill was to define the leasehold qualification, but the amendment was to limit not only the leasehold qualification but other qualifications as well. It was objected to on that ground. It was pointed out that the proposal had already been considered upon the proper occasion for considering such a proposal, namely, when the Regulation of Eleotions Bill was before the House, and the proposal to limit the number of votes whioh any elector might give had been rejected by this House. We consider that in a Bill for extending the leasehold qualification to electors that proposition is out of plaoe. I do not believe that the practical result of the amendment would be very great, but it was obviously out of place in this Bill, and it was wrong to introduce it after it had been carefully considered and negatived. We urged that this matter should be allowed to be considered by itself, but the hon. member would not agree to that proposal. He insisted upon his amendment being made part of this Bill, and by what is admitted to be a catch division [ories of " No, no] he succeeded. He announced his determination to persevere to the end, until ho had moved that no eleotor should exercise more than ninety-nine votes. Under those circumstances, knowing that the period of the session at whioh we have arrived, and knowing how exceedingly valuable our time is, we have come to the conclusion that apart from the possibility of carrying that Bill now without admitting an amendment foreign to it, without loss of time, we are reluctantly oompelled to admit that the hon. gentleman has succeeded in defeating the leasehold franchise. Sir G. Gbbt denied that he had said he would move his amendment up to ninety-nine votes. The House was in committee at the time, and he was quite certain that he would have carried the limit which would have been allowed. He had been induoed to allow the Chairman to leave his seat upon understanding from the member for Cheviot (Mr Saunders) that the Government would agree to the three votes, and if that was not the case, he certainly understood they were to be allowed to be in the same position until the thing was settled. Therefore he did not think he was fairly treated by the Government dropping the Bill instead of going baok into committee on it. He hoped the hon. member for Cheviot would assist him in this matter. Mr Geohgb asked what further Bills the Government intended to drop this session. The Pbismieb said if Mr George could tell him how long each would be d scuseed he would be able to answer the question. CONSOLIDATED STOCK BILL. The Hon. Major Atkinson moved the second reading of the New Zealand Consolidated Stock Bill. Mr Ballance desired the Government to state what remuneration it was proposed to pay the gentlemen proposed to be associated with the Agent-General in consolidating the stook. On its merits he approved of the proposal, but wished to know if the Government had had their attention directed to the present favorable oondition of the money market at Home for the conversion of stock.

Mr Stevens did not agree with the proposal for the appointment of more than one agent. The Agent-General and the Bank of England were quite sufficient. The Hon. J. Hah, said the Agent-General himself was of opinion that it would be well to associate with him at least one gentleman whose sources of information relative to the money market were more reliable than his own. It was in view of that request that the proposal was made to appoint two agents. They had requested the Agent-General to state what he thought would be a fair remuneration. Government itself was of opinion that if the services of a gentleman could be seoured for a period of two or three years for £2OOO the condition would be a fair one. Government were quite aware of the present favorable state of the money market. Mr Lbvin thought that there was no real neoessily for the appointment of a second stock agent. He would support the Bill with that limitation.

Mr Olivbb thought it should be left optional to appoint one, two, or three (took agents. He could well understand that the Agent- General himself would shrink from the responsibility of such a large undertaking. He was glad to hear that the Government were alive to the present favorable opportunities for converting stock. Sir G. Gbby disapproved of the conversion operations altogether. If, however, it was to go on, he thought one agent was quite enough. Communication with England was so rapid tbat they could do the work without any agent in England at all. Mr Hubst thought tbat on certain well defined terms it would be well to provide for inscribing the stock of the oolony, and to associate with the Agent-General a responsible financial agent, as proposed by the Bill. The motion for the seoond reading was put and carried. THE OEDBK TAPER. On the question for going into committee, Mr J. B. Fisiibb invited the Government to state definitely what they proposed to do with the order paper. It would take at least three months to transact the business on the order paper. A number of members hod gone away, and others would shortly follow. The Hon. J. Hall said the difficulty was that Government could not possibly toll how long each Bill would take. Later on in the evening, however, he would make a moro definite statement on the subject. Mr J. B. Fibhbb said he saw no real prospect of the session being finished this week, to whioh the Hon. Major Atkinson replied that he saw no reason why they should not oonolude the business to-morrow night. BBOFBBTY TAX BILL. The House went into Oommiltee on the Property Tax Bill. The Hon. Major Atkinboh said that a clerical error had been discovered in the Bill. He therefore moved to report progress, whioh was agreed to. CUSTOMS DITTIES BILL. In committee on clause 2, Mr De Lautoub moved that bacon and hams 2d be struck out,

The Hon. Major Atkinson explained that the object of the impost was to plaoe an impediment in the way of importing possibly diseased bacon and hams from America. As showing the proportion of the import, trade in these articles, he stated that in 1879 the total value imported was £650 ; the next year it was £2OOO, and last year it has risen to the enormous sum of £15,000. Mr Moss argued that unless they had reason to believe that it was lessening the production of the country it would be a pity to raise the price. Mr Oliver would vote against the impost. Sir G. Gbbt argued that if there was any fear of diseased meat being imported they oould exclude the importation of such meat without the necessity for an impost of this kind. Mr J. B. Fishbe said that this was simply the thin end of the protectionist wedge, and they should follow up the principle in regard to_ other products. Coal, for example, cost this colony an an import last year £167,000. The money kept in the colony would go a long way towards developing their ooal measures.

Mr Sbdbon opposed, and Messrs Tubn bull, Hubst and Httbsthousk supported the duty.

The House divided on the question for retaining the item as printed. Ayes, 31; noes, 19. Item retained as printed. In reply to Mr Levin, The Hon. Major Atkinson said that iron nails had been reduced from 3s to 2s, as it was oorsidered it was only a fair concession to the building trade. The duty last year amounted to £2500.

Mr Olives thought a little time should be given so as to clear out existing stooks, otherwise a great injustice would be done to parties holding heavy stocks. The Hon. Major Atkinson said that leading members of the trade had insisted upon the reduction being made at once. Moreover it was known that this reduotion was proposed. Mr Saunders supported the view that effeot should not be given to these reductions till after the 31st Deo. next.

Mr Sbdbon proposed that one shilling be substituted for two.

The committee divided on the question that the the item remain as printed—Ayes, 38; noes, 16.

Mr Fulton proposed that the item jams, jellies, marmalade and preserves, lsd per lb. be left at the present rate of Id per lb. Other members suggested that the duty should be taken off sugar, and the property tax allowed to remain as it was. That would do much to encourage the local manufacture of jams, &o. Mr Seddon opposed the duty, and Messrs Lbvbstam, Gibbb and Mubbay supported it. The amendment was negatived, and the item passed on the voices. Mr Mobs moved that the item maize 9d per bushel be struck out. Negatived on vote of 35 to 15. The clause was then put and carried on the voices. Clause 3—Mr Rbbtbb moved that sugar raw and refined be included among the exemptions. The oommittee divided—Ayes 15, noes 41. Clause agreed to with verbal amendments. The House then adjourned for half an hour. On the House resuming, The Hon. Major Atkinson moved to report progress, which was agreed to. NEW BILI. The Public Revenues Bill was introduced by resolution of the committee, reported to the House, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow. MBABTXBEB TO BB DROPPED. The Hon. J. Hall, in conformity with the promise made during an early part of the night, stated that Government proposed dropping the following Bills on the order paper : —Pensions Validation, Education Reserves Act Amendment, Leaseholders' Qualification, Counties Aot Suspension, Fisheries, Friendly Sooieties, Inspection of Machinery, East Coast Land Claims Settlements Acts Repeal, Banks and Bankers Act, 18 --0, Amendment. A oommittee of the whole House to consider olauee 12 of the New P.'ymouth Harbor Commission Bill, New Plymouth Harbor Commission, Auckland Museum Endowment Bill. MNBIONB BILL. A message was reoeived from the Legislative Council stating that the position of the Pensions Bill was so unusual and complicated that they had referred it to a speoial oommittee to search for precedents and report to the Council without delay. CUSTOMS AND BXCIBB DUTIES BILL. The Customs and Excise Duties Bill wae further considered in committee. Clause s—Tobacco duties. Mr Oliver moved that it be struck out.— Clause retained by 34 to 16. Clause 6—Distillation.—The Hon. Major Atkinson moved it be struck out, as the clause opened up an important question which could not be fairly disoussed at present.— Clause struck out by 41 to 16. The Bill then passed, and was reported with amendment. The Property Tax Bill also passed through committee, a;..d was reported with amendments read a third time and passed. NEW ZEALAND CONSOLIDATED STOCK ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Mr Stevens moved—" That the second clause be made to read one stock agent instead of two. This was negatived on the voioes, and the Bill was reported with verbal amendments, read a third time and passed. The Hon. W. Rollbbton moved the second reading of the Native Land Act Amendment Bill. Agreed to. The House went into oommittee on the West Coast Settlement Reserves, Native Lands Act Amendment, and Native Reserves Bills. A motion by Mr Tb Whbobo to have two trustees, one European asd one Native, was lost by 22 to 14. Clause 17 was struck out, and several amendments were made in the other clauses. The BUI was then reported, read a third time, and passed. The Native Lands Aot Amendments also passed all its stages, and progress was reported on the Native Reserves Bill. THE NATITB TBOUBLEB. Before the House tobb, Mr Te Whbobo referred to the reports published in the newspapers about the state of Native affairs on the West Coast. He did not believe in them. He would not advise the Government to cease being careful, but at the same time he did not think there were any well founded grounds for alarm. They should, however, look carefully after Te Whiti. He believed the alarm was got up by the Europeans for their own purposes. They wanted troops sent up there because Taranaki was really supported by the expenditure on the soldiers.

Mr Tomoana thought the Government should prevent the newapapers publishing statements which were likely to alarm both the Europeans and Maoris. Mr Tawhai agreed that the newspapers had grossly exaggerated the faots. The objeot was to get troops sent up to the district. Government should not be alarmed by these reports. The Hon. J. Hill asked the Native members if they had any special information from whioh they spoke. Mr Tk Whboho said he did not wish to throw the Government off its guard, but he had been informed the reports in question were unfounded. He would have been sure to have heard of it if any cause for alarm existed. Had there been real cause for alarm the European settlers would not have continued on their land in the district. He had telegraphed to the district and would have been informed if there was anything serious. At the same time the Government, without being alarmed, should be on its guard.

The Hon. J. Hall said the Government was not alarmed. They knew what was being said and done at Faribaka. They wero on their guard, and nothing more, as they knew they were strong enough to deal with any emergenoy; therefore they wero not alarmed. If trouble came they knew how to deal with it, but they would not meet it half way. He was sorry the Maori members had attributed the alarm to a deeire to get expenditure in the district. The Government had information proving that was not oarreot. The Government trusted to the good sense of the Natives to prevent any disturbance, and evory precaution was being taken to prevent trouble arising.

At 2.40 the House rose till 10 a.m. to-day,

Mr Florence relates that the elder Booth while playing " Hamlet" in a Virginia town, found himself without the importaut skull. A little darkey volunteered to get one. When Booth was leaving the theatre he felt some tugging at his coat-tail. He looked around and saw the little nigger. " What will you have, sonny ? " " Please sah, I want daddy's skull, sah." " Daddy's skull 1 " " Yeß sah. Dat used ter be de ole man's headpiece afore de mewel kicked him, an' mammy 'II lick me to rags ef I lose it."