GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2563, 9 September 1884, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[united press association.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, September 5: The House resumed at 7.30. Mr O’Conor continued the discussion on the second reading of the Mines Act (1877) Amendment Bill. He hoped the provisions of this small measure would injustice to mining districts meet with the approval of the House.

Mr Ballance and Mr Wakefield supported the second reading of the bill. The latter said Government should not assume by abolishing miners’ rights, business licenses, and duty on gold, that local bodies would be as in good a position as before. The revenue would in his opinion have to be made in some other way. Gum diggers had not to pay any duty on their product 3 it was only fair that the miner should also receive similar concessions. He was greatly in favor of remitting as many of these mining charges as possible.

Mr Fergus followed in a similar strain, and hoped for a brighter future for goldfields than has been their lot in the past, Mr Grigg and Mr J. 0. Buckland would oppose the second reading. Mr Menteath said the gold-miners were the pioneers of opening up the country, and they should receive every assistance. He gave the bill his most hearty support. Mr Bevan was glad to see that Government were ready to assist this important industry. If proper roads were opened up to settlements, success was sure to follow, and in this matter assist the mining interest.

Mr Guinness, in a few words, supported the bill. The Premier said this revenue was county revenue, and it was only fair that the counties should be heard on the subject. If they took it away he could not see what was to be done. The consolidated revenue was already taxed to its utmost. He thought it should be left permissive with local bodies.

Mr Hursthourse, while supporting the gold-fields members in this measure, said he would not agree to the sweeping away of the gold duty. Mr Seddon replied briefly, after which the second reading was carried.