PARLIAMENTRY

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 763, 10 August 1894, Page 4

PARLIAMENTRY

Wellington, Tuesday In the House, Saunders resumed debate on the Budget. He said that borrowing was wrong, especially at the present time. The principle of borrowing Sinking Fund began in 1884, and was one of the most dishonest things ever done in the Colony. Duthie said the net increase in the public debt during the past 3 years was £1,b30,5G8. Govt took £16,300 for naval and military settlers' land claims, and £284,500 for consolidated stock into revenue in order to make a surplus of £290,238, therefore there was really a deficit instead of a surplus. The fact of asking for the Land Tax 4 months sooner than it was due showed the exhausted state of the Colony’s finances. Laing,’ Willis, and Massey disapproved of the fruit tax, but supported the Govt otherwise.

Debate adjourned ; probably will extend till Thursday night.

Wednesday It is rumoured Percival will be asked to retain Agent-Generalship for another year. More than half of the Land for Settlements Bill has been passed by the Waste Land's Committee, the only alterations being few minor amendments proposed and inserted by Minister of Lands. Divisions were taken on questions of substituting Land Court for Land Purchase Boards, also constituting proposed Board, but majority of Committee determined to stick to the Bill. It is proposed to iniroducea provision that an owner of land whose property is being taken compulsorily can require tbe crown to take the whole of bis estate. Thursday Designation of Districts Bill read second time in Council, also Destitute Persons Bill. Financial debate continued yesterday. Lawry, Steward, Reeves, Hogg and Flatman speaking on Ministerial side } Buchanan, G. Hutchison, and T. Mackenaie against the Budget and its proposals. Today Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Bill finally passed Cemmittee stage in the Legislative Council. Provisions included for payments of fees to members of Board. Designation of Districts Bill passed through Committee. Tramways Bill read second time. Financial debate further continued in House. It is likely it will be concluded today.