To-day’s News.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 763, 10 August 1894, Page 6

To-day’s News.

MELBOURNE, Aug 8 Premier officially announced that the proposed dragnet duties will be abandoned, and old primage duty of 1 per cent reinstated.

Aug 9 Treasurer announces intention of the Govt to impose Income Tax during 6 months of financial year in order to make up for concessions under Customs tariff. Estimated tax will return £125, 000. Amount of tax on incomes derived from property will be double that on incomes derived from personal exertions.

SYDNEY, Aug 8 Brunker, Colonial Secy., returned unopposed. Labour Electoral League nominated a candidate to oppose Cook, Postmaster General.

The Premier estimates that during next 5 months £195,000 more than was obtained last year will be required to meet the late Colonial Treasurer’s estimate of revenue. He thinks it improbable estimate will be realised.

The Talunc, which sailed to day, takes to N. Z. £75,000 in specie.

Aug 9 The Premier, in address to constituents, stated that he was prepared to reintroduce 8 hours’ clause in Coalmines Bill, and Govt was prepared to adopt any suggestion in the direction of benefiting labour. Referring to Govt platform, he said it was intended to propose simple Customs tariff on half dozen items, which it was believed would yield £1,500,000 per annum. He indicated that Land Tax will bo imposed, with moderate exemptions, and he commended provision enforced by N. Z. Govt making mortgagee pay Land Tax to extent of his mortgage. Reid added that, without committing

Cabinet, he was personally in favour of a State Bank, with proper safeguards in matter of note issue.

Minister for Lands, in his address, promised a new Land Bill, chief object of which will be to promote settlement rather than gaining of revenue. Any alienation of land, be said, would have to be accompanied by residence.