JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1920, Page 4

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

THE COAL TROUBLE

WELLINGTON, Sept. 6,

The position at the coa'l mines is very far from being satisfactory, owing to the development of a. new crop of disputes. Three of the northern mines, Taupiri Extended, Rotowao and Pukemiro were reported to be idle to-day. The men held stop work meetings in • the morning and decided for the same railway concessions as .wore granted recently to the State miners on the West Coast. These concessions were granted by- agreemnt between the two Government Departments, the State Coal Mines and Railway department, whereas the northern mines are working for private companies. The go-slow is in operation at Blackball and is reported also from Australia. LAND AND INCOME TAX.

A Bill dealing with the rate of land and income tax is now being printed, and will be introduced in the House of Representatives within a few days. This Bill will provide for a certain readjustment of taxation, with a view in part, of the removal of anomalies. Taxation is to be reduced at some points and increased at others. The principle adopted' that of an adjustment of the scales, lias been to distribute the burden as equally as possible. THE LAND BILL. The Land Bill is another important Government measure that is nearing completion. It will modify some of the legislation now in operation with the object of making it easier for returned soldiers and ordinary settlers to get on the land. There will be no departure from the freehold principle. THE LOAN'BILL. The Loan Bill has been printed, but has not yet 1 been finally revised by Cabinet. It contains compulsory clauses relating to money required for soldiers settlement and some other purposes connected with the war.