GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 639, 15 October 1878, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[press agency.] LEGISLATIVE COHNCIL. Wellington, October 14. 11l the Council to-day there was an animated discussion on a motion for leave' of absence to the Hon. Mr Reynolds. The previous question was carried by 17 to 16, and leave disallowed. Dr. Pollen moved for the production of all correspondence relating to the. Bay of Islands Electoral Roll. After a long reply from Colo«el Whitmore, in the course of which he at times spoke with great heat, the discussion was interrupted by the calling on of the drat order of the day—the Land Tax Bill. The Hon. Mr Waterhonse announces his Intention to vote for the second reading on the ground of expediency. He did not, however, approve of the Bill, but contended that the propertied classes already haye more than their fair shares of taxation. He. illustrated this position by analysing the revenue. The statement that property did not bear its fair share of taxation Was disgraceful; It reminded him of Carlyle’s words :—“ England is inhabited by 30,009,000 of people and the majority of them are fools." The nonsense talked about the unearned increment astonished him.. He thought it a mistake to single out any particular class for taxation. Speaking of the Beer Tax and its withdrawal in the other Chamber, he said it Was not the first time that beer had triumphed over brains. He thought the action of the Government in withdrawing the Bill had been a mistake. In conclude ing ~jie justified his vote for the second reading on the ground thathe would not give an opportunity to the demagogue class to incite the passions of the people. The Hon; George Buckley opposed the Bill, speaking at some length. The Council adjourned for dinner. . October IS. • In the House last night, the Premier said the Work of the session was so far advanced that the Government hoped to prorogue next Tuesday. The Fine Arts Copyright Amendment Bill was introduced by Mr Sheehan and read a first time | also the Native Land Purchases Act, 1877, Amendment Bill. Sir Robert Douglas obtained leave to introduce a Mongonui and Bay of Islands Electoral Bill; which purports to impose upon the Registration Officer the duty of renewing objections to certain Maori names being on the Electoral roll. The principal part of the evening sitting was spent in Committee of Supply, when the Native, Militia, Volunteers, Oonsta-

biliary and Police, and Railways estimates were passed.

Mr Ormond moved that the sum proposed as a vote for school buildings is inadequate, and that this House is of opinion a sufficient sum should be proto ensure dtle provision for school buildings throughout the colon Vi After a short discussion, Sir Ormond withdrew his motion, on the understand* ing that the Colonial Treasurer Would carry out ihis promise to find the money which tlie Education Boards said was requisite' for school buildings. Jlamelv. £200,000. m ” • The House rose at 2 a.m.