LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1528, 20 August 1881, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[special to kumara times.] THE GOLD DUTY ABOLITION BILL. Wellington, August 19. Notwithstanding the Opposition and influence of the Westland, Grey, and Inangab.ua County Councils* the Goldfields Duty Abolition Bill was carried through committee. It took five hours, or one hour per clause, the Government opposing. The Minister of Mines waxed warm on seeiug a majority in favor of the Bill.

Mr Weston followed, and said that, seeing that the Government would not provide a substitute, he would oppose the bill, and was sorry to see Ministers so insolent, dogmatic, and unsympathetic when speaking of goldtields matters and the miners.

This brought the Premier to his feet, who disclaimed that his colleague hud done anything more than speak plain ; that the sympathies of the Government were with the bona-fide miners; that be knew the West Coast miners since 1860, and would always respect them. The action of the Government was caused through the Opposition by local bodies and some honorable members, amongst them Mr Weston. An acrimonious debate followed, in whidh nearly all the gold fields members took part, at the close of which the Minister of Mines asked to make a personal explanation, and stated that he would nob tolerate the aspersions cast iipdri him by Mr Weston. That gentleman had waited upon him more than once, and bad asked Government to take a firm stand, and now, when he had been compelled to uudertake that unpleasant task, to be told that he was insolent and unsympathetic wag more than he would stand.

Mr J. B. Fisher (Westport) then read a telegram from the Duller County Counci', which stated they had passed a resolution for abolition at all hazards, sooner than continue this unjust taxon the miners.

This was received with cheers. The resolution to go into Committee was then carried.

In Committee Mr Gisborne carried a new clause that total abolition take place on the Ist of January, 1883. Mr Sheehan carried a clause makinoit optional for the Act to come into force at the Thames.

There were six divisions all having a majority for the Bill of never less than six votes.

The Bill was reported at four o'clock this morning. The third reading is fixed for next Thursday. No doubt another struggle awaits in the Upper House. It will be satisfactory to the miners, however, to feel that at least their representatives are willing to do them justice. Mr Reid stood firm, and ably assisted his colleague, Mr Seddon, who had charge of the bill.