GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2999, 14 June 1886, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[united press association.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, Juno 8. GREYMOUTH-HOKITIKA RAILWAY. In answer to Mr Hart regarding the Greymouth-Hokitika railway, Mr Buckley said that the estimated cost of the line in 1878 was £220,000. There was no traffic on the line at present. Eour miles were constructed at Hokitika and one mile at the Greymouth end. In last March the expenditure amounted to £37,777. THE HONORARIUM. Mr Wilson moved—“ That in the opinion of this Council in the present financial state of the colony it would be a reasonable concession by members of •the General Assembly that they should forego for the present session one-half of the honorarium fixed by law, and the members in this Council on their part hereby declare that they are willing to make this concession.” It was wellknown that nearly every industry in the colony was in a languishing condition, and as the financial state of the colony was bad, he trusted hon. members would agree to making a slight sacrifice for this session only. He hoped the Council would refrain from putting (Ae previous question. After argument, the motion that the question be now put went to a division— Ayes 83 Noes, 21—and was lost, [from our own correspondent,] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Wellington, June 12, NATIVE LAND ADMINISTRATION BILL. In the House last evening, the debate on the Native Land Administration Bill was continued and concluded, and the Bill read a second time without a division, GOLD EXPORT DUTY BILL. Sir Julius Vogel moved the second reading of the Gold Export Duty Bill on Tuesday last. He said there was a great difference of opinion as to the Bill in the several mining districts. In consequence of this the Government intended to propose that the duty should be reduced sixpence an ounce per anuum until the duty was altogether abolished. On the motion of Mr O’Conor, the debate was adjourned till yesterday (Friday). Last night, Mr Seddon, in a powerful speech lasting one hour, contended that the mining industry demanded immediate attention, and that taxation was crushing the industry of its existence. Mr J. C. Brown (Tuapeka) supported the bill. Being late he would not make a long speech, but endorsed all that the previous speaker had said. Mr Rolleston opposed the bill, as also did Mr Barron. A division was taken with the following result Ayes, 36 3 Noes, 13— a majority of 23. This is the largest majority ever given in favour of the abolition of this special tax.